Driving with Elfis -Dangers on Icelandic roads? (long version)

Summary

This script offers a humorous yet informative guide to driving in Iceland, highlighting the unique conditions and safety tips for foreign drivers. It covers speed limits, road changes, weather, wildlife encounters, and the importance of seat belts. It also touches on local laws, such as alcohol consumption, mobile phone use, and the environmental impact of off-road driving, all while engaging with a character named Elvis, who humorously identifies as an elf.

Takeaways

• 🚗 **Driving in Iceland**: It's crucial to be aware of the unique driving conditions in Iceland, as they differ from what many foreign drivers are accustomed to.
• 🛣️ **Road Conditions**: The landscape is beautiful but can distract drivers; maintaining full attention on the road is essential for safety.
• 🚦 **Speed Limits**: In populated areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h, and in rural areas, gravel roads have a limit of 80 km/h and paved roads 90 km/h.
• 📸 **Speed Enforcement**: Speed enforcement cameras are widely used, and fines for speeding can be over 100,000 Icelandic krona.
• 🛑 **Handling Gravel Roads**: Drivers should reduce speed before transitioning from paved to gravel roads to avoid losing control of the vehicle.
• 🚨 **Emergency Situations**: If a car begins to lose control, it's important to step off the gas and steer gently until control is regained.
• 🌉 **Single Lane Bridges**: On single-lane bridges, the car closer to the bridge has the right of way, but it's wise to stop and assess the situation.
• 💺 **Seat Belts**: Wearing seat belts is mandatory by law in Iceland, and it's especially important due to the nature of common accidents.
• 🌡️ **Weather Changes**: The weather can change rapidly in Iceland, making it vital to check weather forecasts before traveling.
• 🐑 **Livestock on Roads**: Livestock, particularly sheep, can be on or near the roads, and drivers should be prepared for sudden appearances.
• 📱 **Driving Etiquette**: It's illegal to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol, headlights must be on at all times, mobile phones should only be used hands-free, and off-road driving is forbidden.

Q & A

What is the main mode of transportation for foreign tourists in Iceland?

A large part of foreign tourists in Iceland travel around the country by car.

Why is it important for drivers to know how to drive in Iceland?

The landscape in Iceland is beautiful and can draw the driver's attention away from the road, making it important to keep full attention on driving to reach the destination safely.

What is the usual speed limit in populated areas in Iceland?

The speed limit in populated areas is usually 50 km/h, and speed limit signs are not posted unless other speed limits apply.

What is the suggested speed limit on gravel roads in rural areas of Iceland?

The rule of thumb is that gravel roads have a speed limit of 80 km/h.

What is the penalty for speeding in Iceland?

Speeding fines can reach over 100,000 Icelandic krona.

What should drivers do if they lose control of the car on a gravel road?

Drivers should step off the gas and turn the steering wheel gently the same way the car is pulling until the car has regained control.

Why are single-lane bridges on Highway number one potentially dangerous?

They can be dangerous because the car closer to the bridge has the right of way, but it is wise to stop and assess the situation to see what the other driver plans to do.

What is the legal requirement for seat belt usage in Iceland?

Drivers and passengers are required by law to wear seat belts regardless of the type of vehicle or where they are seated.

How can drivers check the weather forecast while traveling in Iceland?

Drivers can call 902600 for weather or 1778 for roads, or visit road.is and weather.is for updates.

What is the potential hazard of livestock on or alongside the road in Iceland?

Livestock, usually sheep but sometimes horses and cows, can be in the path of vehicles, which can be very dangerous.

What are some of the driving laws and regulations in Iceland that drivers should be aware of?

It is against the law to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol, vehicle headlights must be on at all times, mobile phone use is prohibited unless hands-free, and driving off-road is forbidden due to environmental damage.