Oh no - sad news.....

[lisagirlyUK]

I just read in our local paper that a young girl aged 6 was killed in a car crash whilst on holiday with her family in Orlando. I think it happened over the easter holidays as the family have since come home and had her funeral.

This got me thinking as we are going over there in August and its the first time my husband has driven a car abroad. Can I just ask if there are any black spots that we need to be aware of? I think I read in one of the trp reports that the junction between the 192 and US Hway 27 is pretty bad and we will be using that quite regularly as our villa is at Clear Creek. ANy advice would be great.

Thanks

 

[allie5]

Yes, the junction at the end of the 192 is nasty. Its a very steep bend and the road camber is decieving. Ive lost count of the amount of cars we have seen off the road there. Just take it slow and dont underestimate the bend, especially in wet weather.

There is also another spot on the 192 where we have seen several accidents, but its not a tourist junction, so you shouldnt ever need to use this one.

Dont let it put you off though, generally driving is very easy in Orlando. The I-4 is busy, but certainly no more dangerous than any UK Motorway. Be aware that you can undertake in the US, so keep your eyes open in all lanes!!

Allie

Edited to add: It must have been an awful experience for the family involved in the accident you mentioned, and of course its tragic. Remember though, that millions of tourists drive in Orlando everyday and serious accidents are rare. I feel much safer driving in Orlando than I do in Essex.

 

[matty624]

Originally posted by allie5
feel much safer driving in Orlando than I do in Essex.

I totally agree. Although there is some pretty appalling driving, generally it's easier and safer than at home (hope I'm not jinxing myself).
Ian

 

[lisagirlyUK]

Thanks for the info folks - my husband has read this and now is aware of that junction.

 

[Rooster]

We stopped in a villa off US27 last year and used the junction at 192/US27 every day. I don't remember it being particularly difficult or dangerous.

I was a little concerned about driving in the US before going last year. However, I found it very easy going. In fact, the only stressful time I had driving during the whole holiday was on the M25 after returning!

Whilst the report you refer to is tragic, it is easy to read such reports, and those of crime victims, and convince yourself that it must be typical. Of course, the same events happen daily in the UK.

Get a good map, take your time and I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[JANNYANS]

The junction of the 192/27 is nasty if you are heading south on the 27 from there AND going too fast .It is a nasty bend but taken slowly its fine Coming off the 27 onto the 192 is ok and turning North off the 192 is also fine .As said before its easy driving over there just take your time to get to know the car before you leave the hire car park and have a small torch handy so you can read any directions you have been given as the street lighting is not that bright.Also make sure you know whether you should be going North ,south east or west it certainly helps.

 

[Ware Bears]

What terrible news, feel so much for the poor family.

But on a positive note, we felt much safer driving in Florida. Once you've got used to being on the other side of the road and the fact that they can overtake on either side of you, we found that driving was much more relaxing and less stressful than in the UK. We didn't hear a horn beeped once in the fortnight we were there(or was that cos with air conditioning you've got the windows shut!!!LOL) and saw no evidence of the roadrage that is becoming almost a daily occurance overhere!

Elaine

 

[eileds]

We were there last 2 weeks in April and stayed at Clear Creek.

My husband drove for the 1st time in US and had no problems at all.

He did have my Dad as co-pilot though with his maps and pre planned routes.

Plan your routes beforehand and you'll be fine.

Have a great time. ENJOY!!!!!!

 

[peewakio]

It's not so much the driving that is dangerous, it's more the pedestrian side of it as we are not used to cars coming from the left rather than the right that can cause problems. Sometimes you see us Brits (especially on and around I-Drive) just crossing as normal then suddenly a car will honk them and they were totally unaware that it was there as they were not expecting a car to come from the left or right depending on where they where on the road.