In fact, just like in mainland China, pedestrians and vehicles in the U.S. drive on the right side of the road. The following principles are not only applicable in every state but are also extremely important:
Principle of Right-of-Way
In the United States, "pedestrians first, cars yield" is a fundamental principle of traffic rules. Although pedestrians in the U.S. also 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 a crosswalk, 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 deeply impresses 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, actual roads, which ensures that drivers are not 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 coverage in addition to the rental fee. Taking Hertz as an example, they generally offer:
1. Loss Damage Waiver (LDW):
As the name implies, if the renter uses the vehicle within the scope stipulated in the contract, they can be exempted from financial liability for the loss of or damage to the vehicle. Approximately $10/day per person.
2. Personal Accident Insurance (PAL):
This covers the renter and passengers, providing certain compensation for accidental death and medical expenses. Approximately $6/day per person.
Chinese people planning to travel to the U.S. 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, such as AIG, and it should specifically include clauses for self-driving accident claims.
The insurance constraint principle in the U.S. 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 their personal credit.
When driving in the U.S., it should be noted that in most cities, honking the horn is prohibited. If permitted, it is limited to necessary situations, such as warning surroundings when a vehicle is crossing the road. Honking to urge other vehicles is considered very impolite. However, on rural roads, you may honk to signal for overtaking.