Cars in USA
Of course, the most common way to travel in the USA is a car. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development United States (Housing and Urban Development Department) in 1999, 88.4% of Americans get to work by car or motorbike. Also, most Americans prefer a car for long-distance travel within the country. Not surprisingly the United States is home to the world's most advanced network of high-speed motorways (highway).
In order to rent a car, you must be in possession of a driver's license and be over 21 years of age. Typically, the lease payments are made by credit card. Rental cars (with insurance) for a week of use cost about $120.
Americans are very sensitive when it comes to compliance with the rules of the road: It is prohibited to exceed the speed limit if you need to pass a pedestrian that comes onto the road. It is necessary to stop if emergency vehicles (fire, police) are driving behind you. You are not allowed to pass a school bus. You can not keep an open bottle of alcohol in the car. If you fail to obey any of these laws, you will be severely punished and may lose your rights. If the American Victorian notices a violation, they will immediately inform the police.
United States - a country that was created just for traveling by car. There are a lot of interesting and historical places - National Parks, ocean coast, small towns, roadside cafes and shops - a word. The real America is best seen from the window of a personal vehicle. In some states, notably California and Florida, traveling with a car is not essential. It isn't cheaper or faster to travel by car. Traveling alone you can see much more and understand the country and its people.
Approximate prices for cars:
The price of car will depend on the number of days and the category of car you choose: economy, compact, intermediate, luxury, etc. Category of economy cars cost about $ 60-70 per day or $ 270-350 per week. Price usually include unlimited mileage on the car during the rental period (Unlimited Mileage), the necessary insurance (CDW, Extended Protection), a tax on the purchase (Sales Tax), state taxes (State Tax), Tax Airport (Airport Fees), payment for the additional driver ( Additional Driver Charges) and one tank of petrol (One Tank of Fuel).
In order to rent a car, it is useful to have a credit card. In order to get a car without a credit card you must make a deposit at the rental garage (about $ 25 per day or $ 100 per week). The deposit must be paid in cash in U.S. dollars. The deposit will be refunded when you return the vehicle.
The prerequisite for a rental car without a credit card is a foreign (non U.S. or Canadian) passport with the date of departure from the United States and a foreign driver's license.
You can rent a car at the age of 21 with the exception of New York where you can rent at 18.
Insurance included in price:
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) means you are exempt from the cost of the restoration of damaged vehicles obtained as a result of traffic accident or an act of vandalism.
• Extended Protection (EP) or, in some states, International Extended Protection (IEP), insures the renter in the event of a claim on it (up to $ 1,000,000) for bodily injury, death or damage to property of other persons resulting from traffic accidents. This insurance also includes coverage of $ 100,000 in case the other parties involved in the accident are not insured (Uninsured Motorist).
Note:
All the insurance applies only in the United States and Canada. Insurance applies only in cases where the car drove a tenant or an additional driver of the rental contract if the driver was sober, and if the driver has not committed a criminal offense at the time of the incident, including not trying to hide from the police in case of injury - if all were in the car using seat belts and special seats (given at the station lease) for younger children. Subject to the conditions above insurance shall enter into force, regardless of who was to blame for the incident.
The cost of gasoline in the United States at the end of 2004 stood at 1.5 - $ 1.7 per liter.
Useful tips for motorists:
• If you are stopped by the police, do not get out of the car, he will come to you. It is advisable not to make sudden movements and keep your hands on the steering wheel or on your knees. The police officer wants you to keep your hands where he can see them. You will be asked to present your driver's license and a contract for the rental car. Do not retrieve them until the officer asks for them.
• Normally, the police in the United States are quite friendly to foreigners if they are sober and unknowingly broke the law. When all is over, wish the officer Godspeed. Remember that serious violations of the law are: excessive speed, travel at a red light, failure to stop at a sign that says "STOP"; if you do not give way to the police car or ambulance, and passing a school bus when it is stopped or children are getting on. Remember that it is illegal to drink alcohol in your car and in some cases, you may be checked for your blood alcohol level before driving.
• Do not try to argue with the police or offer them any type of money or gifts. This will surely end up with you in handcuffs. If the police write you a fine, you have to pay it otherwise you will not only be never able to rent a car in the U.S. Again, but you may be in a situation where the next time you visit the country, you will be fined a much higher penalty and get in more serious trouble. Traffic fines are to be challenged in court or paid within 15 days from the date of the incident. Do not attempt to pay a fine on the spot because the police may not understand you.
• If you see a car behind you flashing their emergency lights and sounds, you must slow down, and if you did not prevent the movement of "first aid", just stay where you are. You can continue driving when the emergency vehicle passes you and you are safe to go.
• If you see a school bus on the other side of the street with its lights and stop sign flashing, you must stop until the bus has retracted its lights and signs and begins moving again.