Big Sur Travel Forum

I am coming to the US from Australia where we drive on the LEFT.I have read that Highway1 from Monterey through to Santa Barbara can be very dangerous.I have driven on the right in France and Spain,but having read some reviews of the Big Sur,I wonder if it worse than driving in Europe?I am really worried although I am a good driver.

Hi,

Driving in the US is easy, and I would say easier than most parts of Europe! Highway 1 is wonderful for its views, and in my opinion is no more dangerous than any other Highway, so long as one obeys the rules of the road (speed limits on bends etc). Actually, I found driving in the US easier than in my native England!

Have a wonderful time!

Don't worry. I have driven that stretch at top speed on a motorcycle at night on hallucigens, also in a huge motorhome full or psychotic dogs. It's very winding. But you will be driving slow because of the sheer, breathtaking beauty of it all.

It ain't dangerous. Here, Californians scream "Danger" if there's a light rain, slight turn on the road, narrow road.

Don't worry about you causing danger. Worry more about Californians talking on the phone crashing into you, going into your lane, etc.

Safe, if you don't stare out the window at the beauty of it all. No roo's hopping across the road, so have a great walk about mate.

Like the others said, not hard at all. Highway 1 is a twisty 2-lane highway, but it is well-maintained and well-signed. The "danger" is more from the other motorists, either:

1. gawking tourists watching the scenery and not the road (pull over).
2. impatient drivers trying desperately to pass that RV going 15mph. Give up, you can't - there are very few safe passing locations, either settle back and enjoy the slow ride, or pull over for a while if you get too frustrated.

who ever told you that it was dangerous should turn in their license. they sound like they'd be scary to meet on the road.

Stop worrying! I live in the UK and of course, like all right-minded folk, WE drive on the left as well....yet my wife & I have been driving in the US on holidays (vacations) for many years, with no incident worse than getting a parking fine ticket in NYC. CA Highway 1 is one of the great drives of the world so don't miss your chance at any price. Just remember, you won't average more than about 25 miles (about 40km?) per hour through the Big Sur stretch, and it would be silly to go that fast anyway......... from my username, you might guess a good place to stay over once you've enjoyed the first 90 miles or so from Monterey. Don't rush!

Thanks for your advice Ragged,I had a wonderful trip and the driving was definitely easy and scenic.No trouble with traffic and stayed in some great spots.Only trouble counting the exits on highway 1 to reach Lax airport.Not easy on your own!!