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DRIVING SAFELY IN CRETE
- Traffic regulations do not apply to motorcycles and scooters.
- Always drive fast enough that you can’t be overtaken.
- If behind any other vehicle overtaking is mandatory, especially on bends..... (“No Overtaking” signs were the invention of a humorist.)
- STOP signs are in English only so many Greek drivers claim not to understand them.
- Pedestrians are seen as targets.
- Pedestrians think themselves invulnerable.
- On country roads drive in the middle. When you meet another vehicle you can go left or right to avoid a collision.
- Seat belts are compulsory - generally used to hold drunk drivers upright.
- On the National Highway:
- The white line on the right marks the emergency lane. It is not a driving lane but is used to let faster drivers overtake, for cycling and for parking.
- The double lines indicate the centre of the road. When overtaking try to keep some part of your vehicle on the correct side.
- Use of the left indicator tells drivers coming towards you, “I’m overtaking. Move over!”
- Overtaking three abreast is acceptable (but look out for three coming the other way).
- Flashing headlights usually means one of two things; "Stay where you are, I'm coming through" or "There's a speed trap ahead".
- When slowing to stop at the roadside use the hazard lights. A single indicator hints at an intention to turn at the junction you just passed.
- Cross red traffic lights as fast as possible; there's probably an idiot on the other road crossing on green.
- If you must stop and are head of the queue watch the little green man (you should be too far forward to see the actual lights). Move off the instant the little figure turns red.
- If in a queue at lights and the lead driver fails to start before green sound your horn.
- If a driver ahead stops to chat with someone coming the opposite way wait patiently. Sounding your horn could get you shot.
- If you encounter a flock of sheep drive slowly, close to the side of the road and you should get through. Take great care and, if in doubt, stop. Injuring a pedestrian might cause some anger but damage a sheep and you may get shot (again).
- Crash helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists. In summer they are usually worn as elbow protectors; if worn on the head, the heat induces dizziness.
- Don't drive too close to the side as there could be sheep, goats or pedestrians just round the next bend. Be especially careful at night as people often wear high visibility black clothing.
Click HERE to download details of traffic offences and penalties
The above may be tongue-in-cheek but there's a serious message.
As said before some, particularly older drivers, have yet to come to terms with the speed and power of modern vehicles.
- Some drivers do take appalling risks.
- They overtake on bends
- Tailgate at speed
- Ignore road signs and speed limits - just like bad drivers everywhere.
The traffic laws are not much different from the UK except in minor detail. There are some enforcement problems, especially in rural areas, where the police force is seriously undermanned.
"Expect the unexpected" is probably good advice anywhere in the world. There are crazy drivers everywhere and Crete has its fair share - both Greek and foreign - despite the heavy penalties for traffic offences. Visitors are not exempt.
Here are some points to bear in mind.
- People do run red lights, usually as they change. Many only slow down at “Stop” signs.
- Many motorcyclists and scooter riders ignore traffic rules. Common offences are riding the wrong way in one way streets and crossing red lights.
- On the National Highway (and a few other main roads) the emergency lane is marked by the white line on the right side of the road. Greek drivers expect slower vehicles ahead to move into the emergency lane to allow overtaking. Do move over but take care, especially on right hand bends where forward view is reduced. There could be obstructions.
- A driver flashing his lights does mean he’s coming ahead and expects you to wait.
- If a succession of drivers flash their headlights it means (probably) there’s a speed check ahead. Speeding fines are large.
- Crash helmets are compulsory but many riders still risk the heavy fines.
- Fines for failure to wear seat belts are increasingly common.
- Some drivers do cross solid double lines to overtake, even approaching bends.
- Don’t drive too close to the side of country roads. Hikers and other pedestrians (who do wear all black clothing when walking at night on unlit roads) are common; there may be a flock of sheep round the next bend. Hence the tendency of Greek drivers to keep near the middle of the road. If you meet a flock of sheep proceed slowly, close to the side of the road and, if in doubt, stop.
- Listen for horns when approaching hairpin bends on narrow roads. Large vehicles often need to approach on the wrong side of the road. Take a bend too fast and you could be nose to nose with a ready-mix lorry. They are much bigger than you.
Click HERE to download details of traffic offences and penalties