letters
Wrong-side driving hazard is more of a risk when returning to the UK
UK slip-roads are better for avoiding wrong-way driving, says reader, but drivers can fall back into French habits
To the Editor,
I recently read the letter about a reader who accidentally found himself on the
wrong side of the road.
For those who have managed the shift to living in France, there is another hidden danger in a lifestyle in two countries: returning to the UK and relaxing one's attention while back 'at home'.
I think the UK authorities would have even less tolerance of this error than might be the case in France.
Fortunately, UK motorway slip-roads are often more sensible in their design than those in France, where the dual-direction slip-road can easily lead to proceeding in the wrong lane and direction.
In both countries there is a case for making a conscious effort to select the correct lane, forcing oneself to be alert and make a careful selection, planning before the vehicle and occupants is heading into disaster.
As far as I remember, I have made this mistake only after returning to the UK.
M.W., by email
