So -
- the OECD statistics show that traffic safety is roughly on a par with Europe (better than some countries, worse than others).
- the American Gov't issues similar warnings for drivers in Italy, France and Spain as it does for Israel.
But CATW (the "AsAEuropean") is determined to prove to us that driving in Israel is much worse than in these countries.
@canayen,
look on the bright side- you're getting a free preamble to Israel when no topic is void of politics or prejudice, even driving directions.
I agree with the practical advice mentioned- better to do an overnight trip but if you can't, it is feasible as a day trip. As mbgg wrote, the relative difficulty is not the drive but rather the logistics of renting which may limit you. It's 2 hours by car (ask at the rental company if you can take toll road 6 or not). Drive with awareness as you would in a new place and know your route (so you don't end up driving with a map in your lap and you'll be fine. All road signs are in Hebrew/Arabic/English.
@catw,
I'm so disappointed. I began reading your post and had such high hopes (no sarcasm here). You began with some very useful and practical advice (just like you do on non Israel related topics!!!) but then that little genie popped up again and you just couldn't resist yourself. So close, but yet so far...
Here's some useful info in Akko
http://www.tiuli.com/track_info.asp?lng=eng&track_id=13
You can always rent a car in the afternoon before the agency closes, arrive in Acco by 20:00, sleep there, and have an early morning start the next day.
Mbgg / Amirico, every Westerner living in Israel will tell you that the roads are dangerous due to agressive driving and lack of respect of even the most basic driving rules. This is one the first thing you hear when you emigrate to Israel - do not expect people to drive like in Western countries.
I assume you're both Israeli citizens, which explains why none of you seems to realize that this is not a normal situation. The Middle-Eastern driving style in Israel often takes Western visitors by surprise, which is why it's important to warn all people who plan on renting a car that they should drive defensively.
Many excellent Israeli NGOs work hard to change Israeli drivers' mentalities. I find it sad that you would not support their efforts to save lives.
I find it sad that you would not support their [NGOs'] efforts to save lives.
catw, can you point us to the exact place in this thread where anyone wrote or implied that?
Ah, I see we're back to our favourite topic! :-)
Canayen, ignore any suggestion that driving in Israel is awful. It isn't. The roads are good, and as long as you stay alert and are prepared for unpredictable driving from those around you, it's no harder than driving anywhere. Also, I have never seen an Israeli reverse down a motorway! There are nutters in every country, but Israelis do more or less (and I use that term loosely) stick to the rules.
Also, for what it's worth, if you want to see "Middle Eastern driving" you should spend some time in Cairo, Teheran, Damascus or Amman. Israeli driving is not in the same league as some of the things people regularly do there.
