the apparent adventures of driving in France

[Bill McBlueState]

I heard a lunch talk from a Frenchman today. He was talking about the international body that allocates radio frequencies -- for astronomers, this means making sure there's minimal interference on the ground with the signals from space.

Anyway, he talked a lot about anti-collision radio devices in cars. Basically radar that signals your car to slow down when there's something in the road ahead.

On the subject of French freeways, he said,

In New Hampshire, they say "live free or die"
In France, they say "drive free AND die"

I guess the French are even worse about ignoring speed limits than we are!

[TreasonousBastard]

1. In Europe...

Portugal is the worst. Absolutely the worst.

Portuguese in my neighborhood say they appreciate the politeness and civility of Jersey drivers.

Does that say something?

[radwriter0555]

2. We were ASTOUNDED at the driving conditions in Paris and truly,

in our first few hours there, couldn't understand why there weren't bodies and blood in every intersection.

The drivers and cyclists and motorcycle and scooter riders make the los angeles freeway drivers look like saints and angels. And you had to love them for it... it was an amazing ballet of mayhem-free chaos, that somehow..... WORKED.

It was amazing... we still talk about it.

[Kellanved]

3. not true

Driving in France is no problem whatsoever (ok, sometimes the streets are narrow and some villages and towns can be nightmares).
Belgium is by far worse; the French system is IMHO the best and safest in Europe. It's expensive and thus empty, most streets are in a very good condition. The downside is that the distance between two exits can be very long (it's not as fine-meshed, as the Autobahn).
It's very expensive (not free as in most other European countries), but very good.