Page 220 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

218  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Exploring Beyond Washington, DC

There is much to see beyond Washington’s city limits, and Interstate highways are abbrev­
traveling by car is easy with a good map. Many of the sights iated on signs with a capital “I”
are reachable by public transportation, but it is generally followed by a number. Avoid
easier and quicker to drive. Car rental is widely available but the Capital Beltway (I­495) at
rush hour.
often expensive. Buses and trains are a cheaper alternative,
but your choice of destinations may be more limited.
Gasoline (Petrol)
Gas comes in three grades –
regular, super, and premium.
There is an extra charge if an
attendant serves you, but
patrons can fill their own tanks
at self­service pumps without
incurring an extra fee. Most
stations are exclusively self­
service and only accept credit
cards. Gas is generally cheap
in the US.

Breakdowns
Driving along the scenic Skyline Drive (see p167), Virginia In the unlucky event of a break­
down, the best course of action
is to pull completely off the road
Car Rental Rules of the Road
and put on the hazard lights to
To rent a car in the US you The highway speed limit in alert other drivers that you are
must usually be at least 25 the DC area is 55 mph (88 km/h) stationary. There are emergency
years old with a valid driving – much lower than in many phones along some of the
license and a clean record. European countries. In residential major interstate highways, but
All agencies require areas the speed limit ranges from in other situations break down
a major credit card. 20 to 35 mph (32–48 services or even the police can
Damage and liability km/h), and near schools be contacted from mobile
insurance is recom­ it can be as low as phones. In case of break down,
mended just in 15 mph (24 km/h). drivers of rental cars should
case something Roads are generally contact their car rental
unex pected should well­signed but it is company first.
happen. It is advis­ still wise to plan your Members of the American
able always to return route ahead. It is Automobile Association (AAA)
the car with a full important to obey the can have their vehicle towed to
tank of gas; other­ signs, especially “No the nearest service station to be
wise you will be required U­turn” signs, or you risk fixed. For simple problems like
to pay the inflated fuel Road sign getting a ticket. If you are a flat tire or a dead
prices charged by the rental pulled over by the police, battery, the AAA will
agencies. Check for any pre­ be courteous or you risk facing fix it or sell and install
existing damage to the car an even greater fine. a new battery on site.
and note this on your contract. In addition, all drivers are
Agencies with offices at the required to carry a valid drivers’ Parking
Washington airports include license and be able to produce
Alamo, Avis, Budget, and registration documents and Most of the major
Hertz. You could also become insurance for their vehicle. sights that lie beyond
a member of Zip Car, a car Most foreign licenses are valid, Washington have
sharing scheme. These cars but if your license is not in adequate parking for
can be picked up from English, or does not have a visitors, but there may
hundreds of locations across photo ID, you must get an be a charge to use the Parking sign
the city. Your car will come international driver’s license. facility. In general it is
with fuel, insurance, and Many roads are surveyed by good practice to read all parking
180 miles (290 km) per day. cameras that will issue a ticket notices carefully to avoid fines,
Car2Go is another car sharing even if you are going just a being clamped, or being towed
service with small Smart cars, few miles per hour over the away. Do not park beside a fire
but they cannot be taken speed limit. This is not limited hydrant, or you risk the car
outside the city. to major arteries. being towed.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.9)
Date 20th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm