Part of the mandatory program one must take to get a license in Iceland involves going on a defense driving course and sitting in a crash simulator. The idea is to drive home the message to the (mostly) young people stepping into the driving seat for the first time that driving comes with a lot of responsibility—both to one’s self and to others. Sadly, the effects fade off too quickly.

A teacher at the driving school I attended says there are too many people on the road that simply shouldn’t have their license—like old age pensioners who refuse to accept its time to hand over the keys.

Then there is speed, failure to indicate, and aggressive driving. And don’t even get me started on those who think drag racing  or drink driving is acceptable.

According to the Icelandic Road Traffic Directorate, speed is the greatest cause of accidents in the country—a fact that shouldn’t be taken lightly. I was driving earlier this week and as I was preparing to exit a roundabout a jeep racing at full speed in a 50 zone came dangerously close to plowing into us.

Recent police statistics show that fewer speeding tickets are being issued than in January 2010 when 3,076 were issued with 1,799 drivers being caught in the first month of this year. But this is up from January last year when 1,422 speeding tickets were issued.

Accidents and careless driving are of course far from unique to Iceland. Five of the students in my graduating class in high school back in Australia, as well as a number of others from the same school, have passed away in recent years due to road accidents. Though the reasons are varied and I knew none of them well, it is a horrific reminder of the potential dangers of driving.

Driving in rural Iceland can be particularly hazardous. Accidents in Iceland don’t just involve locals either—most fatal accidents involving tourists in Iceland since 2000 are traffic-related, though the numbers have decreased considerably in recent years.

Here are some general tips on driving in Iceland:

Headlights must be lit 24 hours a day while the vehicle is in operation regardless of the time of year.

The speed limit in buildup areas is usually 50 km/h unless otherwise stated, 90 km/h on paved roads outside urban areas and 80 km/h on gravel roads. Drivers should of course adjust their speed to the conditions as these are the maximum limits for ideal conditions—or refrain from driving when weather conditions are severe and roads icy.

Beware of livestock such as sheep on country roads and when crossing glacial rivers. When crossing a river first wade into the water to examine the river’s velocity, depth and bottom. Seek advice on crossing rivers before you set off from the capital.

As many roads in Iceland are raised on embankments against winter snows roll-over accidents often occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles and drive off the road.

Blind corners, hill passes and one-lane bridges are also common.

Be sure to take regular breaks and not drive for too long. The long summer days can be deceiving!

You can read more information about driving in Iceland at the Icelandic Road Traffic Directorate.

Safe travels.

By Zoë Robert – zoe_robert3[@]hotmail.com