Cheap car hire in Georgia - Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

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Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Georgia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

As in the United States, vehicular traffic in Georgia moves along the right side of roadways. Speed limits range from 80 to 100 km/hr. on highways, and from 30 to 60 km/hr. on urban thoroughfares. Motorists are not permitted to make right turns on red at traffic lights. While legislation mandating seat belt use has yet to be enacted, drivers and passengers are nevertheless strongly advised to buckle up on Georgian roads. Georgian law requires that children under seven (7) years of age be restrained in child-safety seats. A driver with any blood alcohol concentration exceeding zero is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Motorists should exercise extreme caution when driving in Georgia, as many local drivers do not operate their vehicles in accordance with established traffic laws. Traffic signals and rules of the road are often completely ignored. Motorists drive erratically, often recklessly, and at excessive speeds. Motorists may frequently encounter oncoming high-speed traffic attempting to pass other vehicles at blind turns or over hilltops. Pedestrians enjoy no right-of-way and need to be extremely careful when crossing streets. The Georgian Traffic Police, who come under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are responsible for maintaining traffic safety in Georgia.

Undivided two-lane roads connect most major cities in Georgia. Roads are generally in poor condition and often lack shoulder markings and centerlines. In addition, traffic signals may not work because of power outages or poor maintenance. Driving at night can be especially dangerous. Travel on mountain roads is treacherous in both rain and snow, and during winter, heavy snowfalls may make some roads impassable. The Georgian Ministry of Interior reported 622 traffic accidents with a death toll of 308 people in 2003.

For additional information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road-safety.html.