Page 292 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

290  SUR VIV AL GUIDE TR A VEL INFORM A TION  291

Traveling by Car and Four-Wheel Drive liability insurance, which is a DIRECTORY
legal requirement and covers
When the movie characters Thelma and Louise won a kind of any damage to another car. Car Rental Companies
freedom on the open roads of the Southwest, they promoted There is also a rental tax of 10 Alamo
the pleasures of driving in this visually spectacular region. percent. Collision damage Tel (888) 233-8749.
However, for both residents and visitors, driving is a necessary waiver saves you from being ∑ alamo.com
charged for any visible defects
part of life in the US, particularly in the Southwest, and a car on the car. Choose if possible to
is often the only means of reaching remote country areas. return the car with a full tank of Avis
Tours of such picturesque regions as central Arizona (see p75), gas, and leave plenty of time Tel (800) 331-1212.
the Enchanted Circle (see p211) in New Mexico, or the San to complete any formalities. ∑ avis.com
Juan Skyway in Colorado (see p182) are best made by car. If you are traveling in summer Budget
air conditioning is a necessity.
This is possible because the entire region is served by a Most rental cars have automatic Tel (800) 527-0700.
network of well-maintained roads, from multi-lane highways transmission, although some ∑ budget.com
to winding, scenic routes. companies offer a stick shift. Child Gas service station on the legendary Route 66 (see pp54–5) Dollar Rent-A-Car
seats or cars for disabled drivers
must be arranged in advance. signs indicating the speed limit up. If you are planning a long Tel (800) 800-4000.
as it can vary from 45 mph trip, be aware that gas stations ∑ dollar.com
(72 km/h) to as little as 15 mph can be less common than many
Rules of the Road (24 km/h) in school zones. visitors expect, so fill your tank Hertz
The major highways in the US (Note that it is before driving across remote areas. Tel (800) 654-3131.
are known popularly as either illegal to pass a ∑ hertz.com
Freeways or Interstates. High­ stationary school Backcountry Driving Thrifty
way speed limits are set by bus.) Heed road Tel (800) 847-4389.
each state. In the Southwest signs, especially For travel in remote parts of the ∑ thrifty.com
the speed limit on the major in remote areas Southwest such as southern
highways varies between where they may Utah’s canyon country or the Useful Organizations
55 mph (89 km/h) and 75 mph issue warnings desert regions of Arizona and
(120 km/h). The Highway Patrol about local New Mexico, it is very important American Automobile
imposes these rules rigorously, Back Country hazards. Heavy to check your route to see if a
and anyone caught speeding Byway sign penalties are 4WD-vehicle is required. Association
Spectacular mountain scenery along the San Juan Skyway will be fined. In cities and in exacted from those Although some backcountry 742 E. Glendale Ave. #182,
small towns especially, watch for who drink and drive, and areas now have roads able to Phoenix 85027. Tel (602) 285-
Renting a Car outlets at airports and in towns the alcohol limit is low. carry conventional cars, a 4WD 6241. ∑ aaa.com
Visitors from abroad must have and cities across the region. Get information on US traffic is essential in some wild and
a full driver’s license that has However, if you are planning to rules from your rental company remote areas. Grand Staircase–
been issued for at least two arrive at one of the major hubs or the AAA. Some rules may Escalante National Monument There are basic safety points to
years before the date of travel. such as Las Vegas or Phoenix, seem strange to foreigners. For (see p152), for example, intends be observed on any trip of this
International Driving Licenses the least expensive option is to example, you can turn right to maintain its environment by kind. Plan your route and carry
are not required for many arrange a fly­drive deal. If you on a red light if there is no prohibiting further road building. up-to-date maps. When travel ing
countries if your current driver’s depart from a different airport oncoming traffic, and the first Motoring organizations and between remote destina tions,
license is in Roman script. It is than the one you arrived at you Speed limit Rest area indicated vehicle to reach a Stop sign tourist cen ters can provide inform the police or park
best to contact the rental may be charged a drop­off fee. (in mph) off an Interstate junction has the right of information to assess your trip. wardens of your departure and
company before arriving to Most of the car companies way. Americans also drive on expected arrival times. Check
understand current operate a centralized the right. The AAA provides road conditions before you start,
regulations. computer maps and may offer help to and be aware of seasonal
Although it is legal booking system, those affiliated with foreign dangers such as flash floods in
to rent a car to so use the website motoring clubs. Utah’s canyonlands. Carry plenty
those over the Hertz car-rental logo or toll­free number of food and water, and a cell
age of 21, some rental to find the best rates. (mobile) phone as an added
companies charge extra to Bargains can also be had by Wildlife warning Stop at Gas and Service Stations precaution. If you run out of gas
those under 25 and limit the booking in advance and for intersection Gas is relatively cheap in the US, or break down, stay with your
type of vehicle that can be travel during off season. Rates but prices do vary, with service vehicle, since it offers protection
rented. It is also essential to vary from state to state, and stations in remote areas being from the elements. If you fail to
have a credit card to pay the there may be deals for business more expensive. Gas is sold not arrive at the expected time, a
rental deposit. travelers, frequent flyers, or by the liter, as in Europe, but by search party will look for you.
There are rental car com­ members of the American the US gallon, equiva lent to 0.8 Native flora and fauna must
panies all over the Southwest. Automobile Association (AAA Traffic flows in a single direction Imperial gallons or 3.8 liters. not be removed or damaged.
Most of the major businesses, or Triple A.) Always be aware Service stations are usually self- Do not drive off-road, unless in
such as Alamo, Avis, and that the cheapest rates do not Traffic signs service, with payment at the a designated area and especially
Hertz, and some of the bud get always mean the best deal. A range of different traffic signs pump. If you are using a non-US not on reservation land. If driving
dealers, such as Budget, Dollar Check that the price includes offer warnings and instructions to credit card, you may have to pay Unimproved road sign in Utah’s an RV, you must stop overnight
Rent-A-Car, and Thrifty, have unlimited mileage and basic drivers and should be adhered to. inside the station before you fill Kodachrome Basin (see p152) in designated campgrounds.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm