GETTING AROUND IN THE U.S.A.  Return to American page                   Return to home page

 

 

WALKING

 

Americans tend to walk the way they drive: Walk on the right with slower walkers on the far right and faster walkers toward the middle.

 

If you are in a group, it is best not to walk with more than two people abreast.  More than a couple of people walking side by side can take up space that faster walkers need to overtake the group.

 

If you are from a country where automobiles drive on the left, be very careful crossing the roadways.  You are used to watch for traffic coming in a pattern different from what you will encounter in America.

 

Observe how other pedestrians obey traffic signals. In some areas--New York City being a prime example--people pay little attention to traffic signals, crossing signs and other pedestrian laws.  In other cities, pedestrian laws are strictly enforced and even stepping off a curb before the traffic signal to proceed is flashed will cause you to risk being arrested by the police.

 

ASKING DIRECTIONS

 

Don't hesitate to ask Americans for directions.  You are almost certain to get a helpful and friendly response.

 

When possible, ask a police officer, ticket seller or someone at an information booth.  Make sure they are not extremely busy when you approach them.

 

If you need to ask someone else, look for someone who looks confident in what they are doing but doesn't seem to be in a great hurry.

 

In all cases, the way to ask is to start with: "Excuse me, but do you know how"… (and then explain your need).  Very often you will not only get the instructions you need but much additional information.

 

TELLING TIME

 

The U.S. operates on a 12-hour time cycle.  For example, one hour before noon is referred to as 11:00 A.M.  One hour past noon is referred to as 1:00 P.M.  The lower continental U.S. has four time zones, so when scheduling a meeting be sure that everyone involved is aware of the appropriate time zone.

 

Dates are in the form Month-Day-Year.  The 10th day of November of the year 2005 is noted as “Nov. 10, 2005.”  It is abbreviated 11/10/2005 or 11/10/05.

 

DRIVING

 

There are areas in the U.S. where pedestrian laws are rarely enforced.  But always assume that traffic laws will be strictly enforced.

 

Remember that posted speed limits are in miles per hour, not kilometers per hour.  If you are on a highway with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour and you drive 65 KPH, faster drivers will become very upset with you and you may even risk arrest for holding up traffic.

 

A good practice is to drive slightly slower than the prevailing traffic .

 

Laws in the U.S. for driving under the influence of alcohol are extremely severe and police tend to be very aggressive about enforcing those laws.  Heavy fines and jail terms are common for violators.  The same is true for speeding in a school zone during school hours.

 

In most of America, it is permissible to turn right after stopping when the traffic signal is red.  These laws differ from location to location.  Check the laws before you do this and even when it is permissible, watch for signs in some places informing you that it is not permitted at that particular intersection.

 

If you are from a nation where automobiles drive on the left of the roadway and you are not used to driving on the right, try to avoid driving in the U.S.

 

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