|
|
Driving In kefalonia
|
|
Driving in Kefalonia might seem a daunting prospect at first. However,
provided you take appropriate care your trips will be safe and result in
enormous pleasure and indeed is the only true way to appreciate all the
islands natural beauty and splendor.
Away from the main island roads the situation changes radically and the
roads become narrow and can have blind bends. If you want to reach the
most remote areas, then you may find some of your trip may include roads
with long gravel stretches. This is also common in the mountainous areas,
where new dirt roads are the norm and where road warning and direction
signs may not be present. It is important not to attempt a mountain
crossing if you do not have detailed and recent instructions from the
locals. Some mountain roads are only suitable for 4WD vehicles.
Narrow winding roads can often mean that journey times are rather longer
than might be expected from distances calculated from a map. Kefalonia is
a mountainous island and driving can yield spectacular views but traveling
on it's winding roads can also be a cause of motion sickness. If you are
traveling with small children make frequent stops and allow extra time to
get to your destination.
Some Rules- Unofficial Tips
Driving in Greece is on the right, the same as most of Europe but not the
UK !. Vehicles coming from the right have the right of way unless
otherwise posted. This means that cars entering a traffic circle go first,
drivers already in the circle must yield.
If there is little room to pass on the road, fast drivers expect slow
drivers to pull onto the hard shoulder in order to let them by
Traffic signs throughout Greece are generally in Greek and English, and
Greece uses internationally recognized traffic control and stop signs.
Parking is permitted along most city streets, but vacant places may be
difficult to find.
Use of a vehicle's horn in towns is allowed only in cases of immediate and
extreme danger.
Speed limits in Kefalonia are as follows: 50 km per hour (30 mph) in
built-up areas and 90 kms per hour (56 mph) on the highway. There are road signs
informing you about the speed limits, which vary from one area to another,
even without any obvious or logical reason .
Alcohol limit is 0,50 mg. Do not expect to be let off a traffic offence
just because you are a tourist.
Fuel. Many gas stations close at 7pm but stations on the highway close
much later usually. Ask the locals for information.
Some stations accept credit cards. Lead-free is everywhere. Regular
unleaded petrol has an octane rating of 91 or 92; the octane rating of
super is 96 or 98. Unleaded super petrol has an octane rating of 95.
A gas station's staff will fill your vehicle
Hints for safe driving in Kefalonia
While you drive in a town, pay particular attention to mopeds. Moped
riders tend to overtake on the right instead of the left as they should.
Even if you leave enough space for them to pass from the left, they are so
addicted to passing from the right, that they will do anything to achieve
their preferred mode of overtaking!
If you notice in your mirror an approaching car flashing its lights at
you, the driver is usually asking you to move to your right to allow him
to overtake.
Drive extra carefully on Saturday nights! The reality is that too many
people will be out, drinking more than they should when driving, and will
drive dangerously as a result.
While you drive in a town, be aware of pedestrians walking in the street.
Often the sidewalks are narrow or non-existent and people cannot avoid
walking in the street.
A few Greek drivers forget to use their indicators to signal an intention
to make a turn. Try and develop a sixth sense to predict what they may be
about to do in the absence of an indication. Expect the unexpected!
The quality of asphalt road surfaces is not always good as road surfaces
are affected by a number of factors including floods and rock falls in
winter, and extreme heat in summer. Pot holes and loose gravel surfaces
are very common as a result. This makes some roads particularly hazardous
for motorcyclists.
Goats are everywhere in Kefalonia and they like to feed next to the road.
It is not uncommon to see a few of them walking in the road, even around a
main highway.
If you visit Kefalonia in the winter, then pay extra attention if you
drive on a very rainy day as rocks may have been dislodged and fallen onto
the roads. A small pile of stones at the side of the road often indicates
that the surface under the asphalt has been eroded at that point and
should not be driven over.
Do not place absolute trust the white lines marking the lanes in the
highway. Occasionally, a lane may end suddenly and without warning. It is
commonplace to see drivers crossing double white lines.
Particular points for Motorcyclists:
It is common to see young tourists on motorbikes or mopeds dressed in
shorts and tees or even their swimsuits without a helmet on. Add a few
beers to this and you get a lethal combination.
The unpredictable condition of the road surface (pot holes, rock fall
debris, etc) need extra attention. Though there is some fine motorcycling
to be had in Kefalonia, you may well find you have to change your style of
riding to stay safe. If you do not always expect the unexpected, you will
soon have a wake up call.
Particular points for Pedestrians:
Visitors must beware of motorbike drivers when crossing streets as they
often weave in and out of traffic lanes.
If there is no pavement you will have to walk in the street. Be very
careful when you do so.
Roadside memorials.
A common sight in Kefalonia are the small metal or stone constructions at
the sides of the roads, often in the form of a miniature church. These are
memorials for people killed in a car accident and they are located at the
exact spot where the accident occurred.
They are constructed by the family of the deceased and inside there is
usually a photo together with some religious objects. The families visit
them often, clean and maintain them and light the candles. They exist in
all different kinds of shapes and materials used.
|
|
|
|
|
