Page 293 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  291

DIRECTORY
Car Rental Companies
Alamo
Tel (888) 233-8749.
∑ alamo.com
Avis
Tel (800) 331-1212.
∑ avis.com
Budget
Tel (800) 527-0700.
∑ budget.com
Gas service station on the legendary Route 66 (see pp54–5) Dollar Rent-A-Car
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 Hertz
(24 km/h) in school zones. visitors expect, so fill your tank Tel (800) 654-3131.
(Note that it is before driving across remote areas.
illegal to pass a ∑ hertz.com
stationary school Backcountry Driving Thrifty
bus.) Heed road Tel (800) 847-4389.
signs, especially For travel in remote parts of the ∑ thrifty.com
in remote areas Southwest such as southern
where they may Utah’s canyon country or the Useful Organizations
issue warnings desert regions of Arizona and
about local New Mexico, it is very important American Automobile
Back Country hazards. Heavy to check your route to see if a Association
Byway sign penalties are 4WD-vehicle is required.
exacted from those Although some backcountry 742 E. Glendale Ave. #182,
who drink and drive, and areas now have roads able to Phoenix 85027. Tel (602) 285-
the alcohol limit is low. carry conventional cars, a 4WD 6241. ∑ aaa.com
Get information on US traffic is essential in some wild and
rules from your rental company remote areas. Grand Staircase–
or the AAA. Some rules may Escalante National Monument There are basic safety points to
seem strange to foreigners. For (see p152), for example, intends be observed on any trip of this
example, you can turn right to maintain its environment by kind. Plan your route and carry
on a red light if there is no prohibiting further road building. up-to-date maps. When travel ing
oncoming traffic, and the first Motoring organizations and between remote destina tions,
vehicle to reach a Stop sign tourist cen ters can provide inform the police or park
junction has the right of information to assess your trip. wardens of your departure and
way. Americans also drive on expected arrival times. Check
the right. The AAA provides road conditions before you start,
maps and may offer help to and be aware of seasonal
those affiliated with foreign dangers such as flash floods in
motoring clubs. Utah’s canyonlands. Carry plenty
of food and water, and a cell
(mobile) phone as an added
Gas and Service Stations
precaution. If you run out of gas
Gas is relatively cheap in the US, or break down, stay with your
but prices do vary, with service vehicle, since it offers protection
stations in remote areas being from the elements. If you fail to
more expensive. Gas is sold not arrive at the expected time, a
by the liter, as in Europe, but by search party will look for you.
the US gallon, equiva lent to 0.8 Native flora and fauna must
Imperial gallons or 3.8 liters. not be removed or damaged.
Service stations are usually self- Do not drive off-road, unless in
service, with payment at the a designated area and especially
pump. If you are using a non-US not on reservation land. If driving
credit card, you may have to pay Unimproved road sign in Utah’s an RV, you must stop overnight
inside the station before you fill Kodachrome Basin (see p152) in designated campgrounds.

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