Twissted Swisster

MG in The Village of Broadway

Last week I took a trip to the UK for business.  It was a pleasant trip and lead to a weekend stay to take in some of the rolling English country side.  I spent a bit of time near the Cotswolds area.

One of my biggest fears going into the trip was the concept of driving on the other side of the road.  How on earth would I be able to keep to the left and not fall into my old habits.

I was in part scared because of a friend of mine who on a trip, was on a back country road and slipped into his ‘old habits’ and moved over the right when no traffic was to be seen.  The end result was of course an accident, and I believe a broken rib.

From the moment I first got into the car, I was really worried.  The first 15 minutes I was constantly thinking, ‘to the left, to the left’.  Soon enough it became second nature.  While the first day had its fair share of knee knocking moments by the second day I was all set and ready to move to the U.K.

The only habit I had real trouble breaking was looking behind me when I was backing out of a parking spot.  Due to habit, when backing out I was always trying to look over my left shoulder.  With a left side drive vehicle, this of course means you get a great view of the center column on the side of the car, but can’t see a darn thing out the back window.  Every time, I would catch myself and then turn and look over the other shoulder.

While I might have been comfortable behind the wheel, my passengers clearly were not.  Both my work colleagues (from continental Europe) an may wife would jump any time I would take a roundabout with a little speed to the left.

If you are looking to do some driving in the U.K. I found it to be a bit nerve racking at first, but it became second nature with practice.  Don’t be worried, just be cautious, and you should be okay.

One other interesting car fact and difference between British English and American English.

I said to my colleague, “You drive a wagon, right?”

He replied, “Oh if you are planning to follow me, I have a silver estate car.”

I thought silently to myself for a second.  Nodded my head, and five minutes later he pulled up in a station wagon.  Just like I said, a wagon.