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There are some restricting signs, for example: No entry, no overtaking, Oncoming traffic has priority,
maximum speed limit, no parking, caution.
There are some warning signs too, for example: Dangerous bend, Two-way traffic, Give way.
Road signs give information and instructions to drivers. They tell the drivers what to do, what
not to do, where to go, etc. For example, the 'No entry' sign tells the driver that it is
forbidden to enter that road by all kinds of vehicles.
Describe how traffic lights change and what this means for the traffic.
In Hungary there are two types of traffic lights. They can be three coloured and used to
control traffic at road junctions or two-coloured at zebra crossings. If the lights are red, it
means that you have to stop and wait. If they are amber, it means that red will follow. If they
are red and amber, it means that green will follow. When the lights are green, you can
continue on your way.
Does the system of traffic lights and signs differ in Hungary from that in other countries?
Yes, in Hungary the green light for pedestrians flashes before it changes to red to warn the
pedestrians not to start crossing the road. In some European countries, and in the U.S., the
red and amber lights are not on at the same time. As for the signs, most of the signs are
universal, following the EU regulations.
Which is the fastest, cheapest and most comfortable type of city transport?
The fastest type is the underground, though in Hungary you can find it only in the capital. The
prices of single tickets are the same for each means of public transport, but if you buy a
season ticket, it is cheaper for trams and trolleybuses than for buses or the underground. I
find the trams most comfortable although they sometimes are crowded.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of surface and underground transport?
The underground transport is faster because it isn't influenced by weather or traffic
conditions. The surface transport is usually slow, especially in rush hours or when an accident
has happened. When the weather is bad, people tend to use their cars, so the roads become
overcrowded and the traffic slows down or stops for a period of time.
Why is parking getting more and more difficult nowadays, especially in big towns?
Parking is getting more and more difficult nowadays because the number of cars has
increased dramatically. It's not rare that there are two cars in a family and they are used
every day. The number of parking places hasn't changed or rather has decreased.
What traffic problems are there in your town and how would you solve them?
In my town the roads are overcrowded, there aren't enough parking places and the public
transport is infrequent and unreliable. I would have bypasses built around the town so that
especially heavy trucks would avoid the town centre. I would improve the public transport by
making it reliable and frequent and thus I could convince people to take trams or buses
instead of driving.
What do you do when you get into a car and want to start it?
I sit in the car, put in the ignition key and turn it to start the engine. I push down the clutch
pedal and put the gear shift lever into the first gear or reverse, depending on the direction.
Then I let the handbrake off and indicate the direction. I look into both the rear-view mirror
and the wing mirror. If the road is clear, I put my right foot on the accelerator pushing it
down while raising my left foot slowly off the clutch pedal and start.
Reni-version:
How do you start a car?
I put the key into the ignition hole and turn it to the right. I fasten the seatbelt, push down
the clutch, I change gear, I release the handbrake, I indicate, look into the rear-view mirror
and I pull out. After that I let up the clutch and accelerate.
What typical driving offences can you think of and what can be done to prevent them?
The most typical driving offences are speeding, not respecting the Highway Code and drunk
driving. Unfortunately; there are many disco accidents as well.
Driving offences:
- There are some accidents because people dont give way.
- Go through red.
- Drive faster than the speed limit /or: exceed the speed limit/.
- Park at places where its forbidden. (The police will fine you.)
- Disregard the traffic signs.
- Dont indicate.
- Reckless switching between lanes.
- If you overtake on a :
o Zebra crossing
o Closing line
o In front of level crossing (vasti tkel)
How could you convince somebody that cycling is the best way in travelling in towns?
I would say that you can save a lot of time and money and I would also emphasise that
cycling is healthy, though, of course, not on the busiest roads. I would also give him or her a
map of cycle paths to demonstrate that it is possible to get everywhere by bike.
Are there cycle paths in town?
Nowadays more and more cycle paths are being built, especially in big towns and in places
where there is demand for them.
Why do also pedestrians have to know the road signs and symbols?
It's important for pedestrians to know the road signs and symbols because they take part in
traffic too. If they are not familiar with the traffic rules, they risk their lives and endanger
other pedestrians and even drivers.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car and travelling by plane?
I take out a travel and luggage insurance, I change money, if I need I get a visa, get
vaccination if I travel to an exotic country. I get information about the place where Im going.
If I travel to an exotic place I take light clothes, if I travel to a ski-resort, I take warm clothes. I
take some medications with me, too.
How do you rent a car?
I need a valid driving license. I should take out an insurance to the car. I have to show my
identity card too. I need to have a third-party insurance and a comprehensive insurance.
After renting a car I have to bring back the car in time. I can rent a car for just a day- in this
case I have to pay a daily rate. If I rent a car for longer time, I have to pay hire charge.
Forms of travel:
- Safari
- Ski resort
- Ocean liner
- Cruise
- Voyage
- Sightseeing
- Cultural trips
- Study trips
- Wellness weekends
- Spa-break
- Road trips
- Round the world trip