Hiring
a car is the best way to see the sights in Turkey and have the
freedom to explore the country at your own pace. Whether you are
taking a scenic drive to Ephesus or discovering the hidden
villages near Milas, hiring a low cost car gives you flexibility
without the expense.
There
are agencies at the airport in Bodrum - Hertz and Avis as well as
some local companies in Altinkum - Medusa Cars, Proper Cars, and
Meyrem Cars.
TIPS
ON DRIVING IN ALTINKUM
Watch
out for the speed cameras. These are mobile and they display a
little sign on the side of the road before you get to them.
It's important to
work at safe driving in Turkey. The motor vehicle accident rate is
among the highest in the world, but there are lots you can do to
avoid accidents and have a safe trip.
Drive very
defensively.
Don't let the scary
statistics keep you from considering car travel, which can be
wonderful.
The cardinal rules
of safety to survive Turkish driving are:
1. Drive very
defensively
2. Avoid driving at
night
3.
Never let emotions affect what you do
TURKISH POLICE
CHECKS IN ALTINKUM
Watch for temporary
checkpoints and traffic stops particularly at night. These are
usually set up for one of three reasons:
(1) routine license
and registration checks;
(2) during times of
high terrorist threat, to watch for certain individuals;
(3) DUI
("Driving while Under the Influence" [of alcohol or
drugs]) checks, which are normally done late at night and on
weekends in areas with restaurants and clubs.
In case you are
stopped, be prepared to show your passport and driver's license
and vehicle registration.
Sometimes vehicles
will be waved through once the police see that a foreigner is
driving. However, you should never assume you won't have to stop!
Make certain you understand the signal the officer is giving to
you. If the signal is to stop and you keep going, you may be in
serious trouble.
If you are involved
in an accident - even when not found at fault - a Breathalyzer or
blood test is almost always mandatory. If you are not considered
responsible for the accident, positive test results will not be
used against you by the police. However, they may be used by an
insurance company as grounds to deny an accident claim.
The
unofficial "protocol" for military and Jandarma
(Gendarme, paramilitary police) checkpoints in the eastern
provinces at night is to turn on the vehicle's inside lights and
dim the headlights while stopping for inspection. If your vehicle
has tinted glass, roll down the driver's side window. This makes
it easier for soldiers to safely identify and check the vehicle
and its occupants. During this type of inspection, remain calm, do
not make any quick movements and obey the instructions.
Don't
let this worry you - its is ok to drive in Turkey just treat it as
a Saturday night in your home town all day every day....ENJOY
