|
Driving around the island is by far the best way to get to
know the island. If you do get lost, Please pull off the
road. Don't look at the map and try and drive at the same
time. If you do get lost don't hesitate to ask someone, we
still know what Aloha is on Kauai. There is no reason to have
to pass someone in the left lane. We will just end up
pulling up behind you at the next light and shake our heads.
Using the horn in something other than emergency is
considered rude. Please, the vast majority of traffic
fatalities on the island are unfortunately alcohol related.
Designated drivers Please.
IMPORTANT:
Do your best not to leave anything of value in your car.
Unfortunately the majority of crime over here is cars been
broken into. Do not think that the trunk is a safe. One rock
through the window is faster than a key to gain access to
the trunk latch. The jerks doing this know that you are more
likely to have something of value in the car rather than the
resident, so they target rental cars. If you take something
of value to the beach - wallet, camera or anything - take it
onto the beach with you. If you go into the water at the
beach, cover everything up in your towel and ask someone to
keep an eye on your stuff for you while you are in the
water. Try to keep your eye on the stuff while you're in the
water.
DRIVE WITHOUT STRESS:
Remember you are on Kauai. You are on vacation. Most drivers
around you are also on vacation and they will take their
time. There is no need to be in such a hurry to get to your
destination. Allow a generous driving time if you are
heading back to the airport or if you have an appointed time
for an activity.
BE CONSIDERATE:
While on Kauai try to incorporate the 'Aloha Spirit'. Allow
fellow drivers to merge. The most you will lose is one car
length or 5 seconds of time.
DON'T TAILGATE:
You are on the road with fellow visitors from around the
World. They are on vacation. They are looking around at all
the sites and will slam on their brakes at the most
unexpected times especially during Whale season. Why ruin
your leisure vacation by becoming involved in a rear-end
collision. Is it worth the 3 seconds of time saved? Besides,
the more the distance between you and the car in front of
you, the less you have to concentrate on what they might or
might not do leaving you more time to take in the beauty of
Kauai.
USE TURN SIGNALS:
Too many of our visitor drivers will not use their turn
signals or will signal to turn one way and then turn the
other way at the last moment because they are somewhat lost
and/or confused.
PASSING:
Is it really necessary to pass that car especially when
there is a string of cars in front of the one you are
planning on passing? Is the 5 to 60 seconds that you will
gain really worth an accident that can ruin your vacation?
SLOW DRIVING:
Our World-wide visiting drivers want to see everything and
will slow down so as to absorb as much of what they are
observing. I don't blame them. But what they fail to notice
is that there are other drivers on the road and they are
piling up behind them. It would be just as easy to pull over
and safely enjoy the view while not disrupting the lives of
others.
RIGHT ON RED:
In Hawaii you are allowed to turn right on a red light after coming to a
complete stop. The key point here is 'Coming to a COMPLETE
STOP'. Remember, you are on vacation and should be a relaxed
driver.
THINK YOUR LOST?:
Trying to read a map while driving? Not a good idea. You are on vacation
which leaves you plenty of time to safely pull over, stop
and really study the map. One nice thing about Kauai is that
there are so few roads, thus it is very hard
to get completely lost. So don't worry. Relax. Take your
time.
USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS:
I cannot understand why so many drivers are hesitant to turn
on their headlights, especially during sunrise and sunset.
They use their 'Parking Lights'. Those lights are used when
you are PARKED not driving. That is how they got their name.
They are not "Running Lights". That is for boats. Check it
out for yourself. An oncoming car with its headlights on can
be seen at a greater distance than one without. Don't you
want to warn other drivers that you are there in the
oncoming lane?
USE SEAT BELTS. IT'S THE LAW:
The police take this law very seriously. They are constantly
looking for drivers that are not wearing them and you will
be issued a ticket. This law applies to all front seat
passengers, not just the driver.
DON'T SPEED:
There is no need to exceed the posted speed limit. After
all, you are on a vacation. The time gained is really not
worth it because you will have to pay closer attention to
your driving and will miss out on the beauty of Kauai.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD:
Kauai is a beautiful place with much to see. If you are
tempted to view your surroundings while driving, please pull
over to do so. For the safety and courtesy of other drivers,
please keep your eyes on the road while driving.
|