Nowadays, an increasing number of individuals who meet the requirements for investment immigration are shifting their financial focus toward investment immigration. For Chinese individuals who have successfully immigrated and are living in the United States, the WorldWay Beijing immigration consultants have compiled the following traffic principles. These are not only applicable in every state but are also of great importance:
The first thing to know is that, just like in China, pedestrians and vehicles in the United States drive on the right side of the road.
Right-of-Way Principle: In the United States, "pedestrians have priority, and cars must yield" is a fundamental principle of traffic rules. Although pedestrians in the U.S. follow traffic light signals just like vehicles, when driving through an intersection, if there are pedestrians crossing the street, all vehicles, regardless of size, must stop and yield under any circumstances. Even in places without crosswalks, drivers will kindly stop when they see pedestrians; this is basic common sense in the U.S. and a hallmark of a civilized citizen.
Safety Principle: This is a principle that leaves a deep impression on Chinese people, because driving in the U.S. does not require high-level driving skills; what is more important is strictly following traffic rules. Furthermore, there are not many driving schools in the U.S., and the road test is a "real-world" experience on busy streets, which ensures that there are no drivers who are afraid to get on the road.
Insurance Constraint Principle: U.S. traffic regulations require motor vehicle drivers to carry proof of insurance at all times while driving. If you rent a car in the U.S., the rental agency will certainly list optional insurance in addition to the rental fee. Taking Hertz as an example, there are generally:
"Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)": As the name implies, it means that if the renter uses the vehicle within the scope stipulated in the contract, they can be exempted from financial liability for the loss or damage of the vehicle. Approximately $10/day per person.
"Personal Accident Insurance (PAL)": This refers to coverage for the renter and passengers, providing certain compensation for death and medical expenses in the event of an accidental injury or death. Approximately $6/day per person.
In addition to this, Chinese citizens can purchase some overseas travel insurance in China before departure as a supplement. Note that it is best to purchase travel insurance from a U.S. company, and it should specifically include clauses for self-driving accident claims.
The U.S. insurance constraint principle not only provides protection for renters but is also linked to traffic violation records and bank loan credit data. Therefore, for a long time, Americans have formed the concept of obeying traffic rules to ensure personal credit.
Additionally, WorldWay immigration consultants suggest that Chinese citizens driving in the U.S. should pay special attention to the fact that most U.S. cities prohibit honking. If permitted, it is limited to necessary situations, such as warning those around you when a vehicle is crossing the road. Honking to urge other vehicles is considered very impolite behavior. However, on rural roads, you may honk to signal an overtake.
Road Signs
There are more road traffic signs in the U.S. than in China, which can be quite dazzling when driving for the first time. Common road signs can be roughly divided into the following categories based on their color and shape:
1. Red octagonal "Stop" sign:
Unlike in China, you can see an octagonal red road sign everywhere in the U.S. with a large "Stop" written on it; this is the stop sign. It usually appears at smaller intersections and acts as a traffic light. When a car reaches such an intersection, the driver must stop first and confirm that there are no pedestrians or vehicles at the intersection before proceeding.
2. Red inverted triangle "Yield" sign:
This type of sign usually has a thick red border, meaning to slow down and prepare to stop. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with other diagrams to indicate that slowing down is necessary due to a crosswalk, obstacle, or other reasons ahead.
3. Various rectangular prompt signs:
Prompt signs are generally rectangular with a black border and white background, such as speed limit signs and various driving or turning signs. If a certain action is prohibited, a red circle with a red diagonal slash is drawn on the sign, which is similar to those in China.
4. Shield-shaped road signs:
The U.S. road network is well-developed. As long as you have a guide or map indicating the road number leading to your destination, you generally will not get lost. These road signs are usually shield-shaped and marked with the highway number and the name of the state.
