Driving in France

When I first started visiting France some 30+ years ago I was struck by the recklessness of French Drivers. Often driving too fast, too close, in the wrong place and as for overtaking - beyond expression!

Since starting to travel again over there I have been struck by the drastic improvement. Perhaps it it the improvement in the road network. Excellent, well constructed two lane motorways and toll roads almost everywhere make driving a pleasure.

Also noticeable to us on this crowded isle is the apparent lack of traffic. It is rare to get held up on French roads (unless the truckers, or Farmers or....... are holding a protest) and the travelling is much more relaxing and less stressful than in England. The signing, once you know the system, is usually excellent (but can sometimes surprise - be prepared!) and the road surfaces seem to be built to a higher standard than in England. More like the Autobahn than the Motorway. So the travel is more comfortable.

I have yet to get stuck behind a French trucker despite driving regularly from Calais to Corlay (375 miles) and back. They seem to be a more considerate bunch. If I do get stuck I ca almost guatantee that it will be a Dutch, German, Spanish or British driver in that order. What makes the Dutch so bad I just don't know. Perhaps they are fed up with their reputation for tolerance.

Travelling at night is also a pleasure the French seem to think that travelling after evening mealtime is some kind of blasphemous act, almost unheard of. So you are presented with mile after mile of empty road and when you do meet someone they are considerate enough to dip theier headlights almost without exception.

My Australian Uncle, when he last came to England complained about the drop in standards of English driving. He had always thought of us as the best, most considerate and courteous drivers in the world. He soon changed his mind and pointed out how poor the standard of driving is now over here. He is quite right, lack of consideration, foresight impatience, litter, lack of indicators (what are they?) These are just a few epithets about Britains drivers now. A real shame. Perhaps it's just me becoming a Grumpy Old Man but standards do seem to be failing all around.

The point is that while the French have improved their standards and the whole driving experience beyond belief, in Britain they have deteriorated to the point where it is a hateful chore to be endured rather than enjoyed.