Moving to a new country can be a big change, especially when it comes to driving. In the US, driving is a major part of daily life since public transportation isn’t always available or convenient. Here’s a quick guide to help healthcare professionals like you get familiar with the rules of the road.
Stay Safe on the Road
Keep your focus on the road, avoid distractions, and stay calm while driving. Defensive driving is essential—it helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone safe. Make sure to maintain a safe distance from other cars and stay aware of what’s happening around you.
Use your signals, lights, and horn when needed to ensure other drivers see you. It’s also a good idea to keep some space in front and to the side of your car to avoid any potential conflicts.
Understanding US Road Signs
When getting a driver’s license in the US, you’ll need to know the road signs. Here’s a quick rundown:
Regulatory Signs: These include signs like “Do Not Enter,” “Hospital,” and “Keep Right.” They tell you what you can and can’t do.
Warning Signs: These signs alert you to things like school zones, upcoming intersections, hills, slippery roads, and lane endings.
Work Zone Signs: These let you know when you’re entering a construction area. Signs like “Workers Ahead,” “Detour,” and “Lane Closure” are common. Fines for violations in these
areas are higher.
Guide Signs: These help you navigate. They include highway guides, exit numbers, and mile markers, which are especially useful in emergencies.
Tips for Healthcare Professionals
As a healthcare professional, your hours might be unpredictable, and you could be on the road at any time of day. Here are a few extra tips:
Stay Rested: Long shifts can be tiring, so make sure you’re well-rested before driving.
Know Your Routes: Familiarize yourself with the quickest routes to the nearest hospital and other essential services—this can be crucial in an emergency.
Manage Stress: Driving can be stressful, especially after a long day. Practice stress-relief techniques to stay calm on the road such as deep breathing.
Final Thoughts
Driving in a new country can be nerve-wracking, but learning the rules and following these tips can make it much easier and safer for you on the road. If you need extra help, IAS offers an online driving course when you finance a vehicle.
Car experts for healthcare professionals
For over 15 years, International AutoSource (IAS) has specialized in serving the needs of the international healthcare community. Through the IAS Healthcare Advantage Program foreign nurses, doctors, physical therapists, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals moving to the United States can finance a car for their move with benefits tailored to fit their needs.
International Healthcare professionals can take advantage of savings, convenience, and full-service support all in one place. Our dedicated healthcare product specialists work one-on-one with each customer to provide full-service support before, during, and after delivery. We also assist with all documentation needed for vehicle financing, licensing, and registration as our customers have more important things to worry about.
