Is left right or right right?

Although I was used to driving on the right side for all my life I am completely confused now after living in a on-the-left-hand-side-driving country. I got used to look into the correct directions again before crossing a street on foot, probably out of bare survival instinct. But when driving a car I still struggle sometimes. Before getting to the car I always have to think anew on which side I have to enter it so that I will find the steering wheel in front of me. Before turning I always start the windscreen wipers, although I've realized by now, that the other drivers don't understand this way of giving directions (on the other hand I experienced also, that giving directions doesn't help against rain...). In stressful traffic situations I still hit the car door instead of handling the gearstick. But eventually I will get used to all this again - hopefully.

Other things in Swiss traffic I have to get used to again, too. The narrowness for example: There is no passing if a vehicle waits for the oncoming traffic in order to turn; U-turns are hardly manageable in one go; when entering a parking, I become claustrophobic because the pillars stand so close together; and when I want to park close to where I live I have to drive around the block at least 3 times until I find an empty space. Having found a spot finally I can leave the car only for 1.5 or 2 hours during daytime (and have to pay for it, too). Now I know why people in Zurich work such long hours: they only wait for free parking! Because there's not much space in Switzerland the traffic lights are quite unhandy, too. I get a stiff neck each time I have to wait for the green light because there is no second set of lights on the other side of the crossroad, which I could observe. I have to lean over the steering wheel and bend my head backwards to be able to see the lights. A friend advised me just to stop a bit earlier, not so close to the lights. All these tricks you have to remember to stay healthy in Swiss traffic...

On the other hand, the Swiss public transport system is very compact and you are able to get anywhere in a reasonable time. So why drive a car and worry about left and right or stiff necks? The only worries while using public transport are old people, who can't wait to get into a tram. They don't let you get off, but nearly knock you over shaking their heads and muttering 'Bloody young people! No respect anymore!'

Vera Kaufmann, 11. Dezember 2000