Driving in Scotland
Advice for visitors driving on single track and two way roads.

Adapted from a Scottish Road Safety Campaign brochure and the Highway Code

Drive on the Left!

Every year there are a number of road traffic accidents caused by visitors straying to the wrong side of the road. This usually happens after a momentary lapse in concentration and, needless to say, the consequences of such an action can be fatal. To help you remember to Drive on the Left, arrows have been painted on some roads.

• When driving, you must remain alert at all times as you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and other road users.
• Do not be distracted by your passengers or the scenery.
• Remember to stop the car if you become tired.
• Involve your passengers in the drive. Encourage them to look out for danger.

Remember to Drive on the Left particularly when:

• Starting off from the side of the road
• Turning from one road to another
• Traveling on a road with little traffic
• Using a roundabout
• Using passing places on single track roads

Country Roads

Take extra care on country roads and reduce your speed at approaches to bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at minor junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists walking or riding in the road. You should also reduce your speed where country roads enter villages.

Single Track Roads

Single track roads are only wide enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.

• If the Passing place is on your right, pull over opposite it (on the left) to allow traffic to pass. You must stay on the left. Do not cross to a passing place on your right.
• Passing places are marked with a small white sign or by a black and white striped pole at the side of the road.
• Do not park in passing places.

Watch for Animals

Wildlife abounds in the countryside. Be especially aware of deer as they can ruin your perfectly good holiday and your car in the blink of an eye. Twilight and early evening are the times you may find them near or on a road.

When passing animals, drive slowly. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop. Do not scare animals by sounding your horn or revving your engine. Look out for animals being led or ridden on the road and take extra care and keep your speed down at left-hand bends and on narrow country roads. If a road is blocked by a herd of animals, stop and switch off your engine until they have left the road. Watch out for animals on unfenced roads.

More Information

The Highway Code

www.dft.gov.uk www.dsa.gov.uk www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk www.passplus.org.uk

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Updated 18 January, 2009