Article

2011-10-16 Britain

Turns out foreigners who can't speak the language can't read road signs either

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Posted by trailing wife 2011-10-16 00:00|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 Kind of think this was the kind of thing a United Europe would have stream-lined long ago. Even a disunited Europe where travel was frequent should have created a more or less unified signage by now. Certainly there would be local differences (English and their round-abouts for example) but these would be minor and could be covered by brochures at the border (or the rental car place).

Posted by rjschwarz 2011-10-16 09:25|| 2011-10-16 09:25|| Front Page Top

#2 I drove all over Europe (except in Britain - I'm not stupid) and never had a problem with the signs even in the countries where I didn't speak the language - and this was before the U.S. adopted universal signage.

Perhaps it's not the signs but the foreigners involved ....?

I'd also bet it has something to do - at least for the Poles - with the fact that the Brits drive on the wrong side of the road. That would have to be very confusing, particularly if you're driving a standard left-hand drive truck or car. I remember what it was like in Bermuda, and that was just on a scooter. I finally decided that if it looked "normal" to me, I was on the wrong side of the road for there, and started enjoying my ride.

"According to transport officials other European countries do not routinely allow people to sit driving tests in foreign languages."

Duh.

Posted by Barbara 2011-10-16 12:35|| 2011-10-16 12:35|| Front Page Top

#3 Lousy and dangerous drivers in Poland tend be like that in other countries too. This may not be a language problem. Modern countries should use driving simulators to test license applicants, not written tests.

Posted by Anguper Hupomosing9418 2011-10-16 15:02|| 2011-10-16 15:02|| Front Page Top

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