Dallas - Getting There By Road

The motorway (interstate and freeway) network in America is very good. The general rule for numbering on US freeways and interstates is that the odd numbers go north-south and the even numbers go east-west over their whole length, although at any single, localised point it may seem different. Interstates are indicated by the letter ‘I', while ‘S' and ‘L' stand for ‘spur' and ‘loop' respectively.

Driving is on the right. The speed limits on the different motorways can vary - the general maximum is 90kph (55mph) but some rural interstates allow limits of 110kph (70mph). Town residential areas can be as slow as 30kph (20mph), with specifically posted limits near schools. It is illegal to pass a yellow school bus when it is stationary with its lights flashing. It is possible to turn right on a red light, after stopping to check that it is clear, unless otherwise indicated. Seat belts are obligatory for front seat passengers. Prosecution for drunk-driving is severe. The maximum legal alcohol-to-blood ratio is 0.08%.

The minimum driving age is 16 years. A British driving licence is valid but a temporary International Driving Permit is also a good idea, as it carries a photograph. Third party insurance is mandatory, although it is highly recommended for driving visitors to ensure that they have adequate travel medical insurance, as the cost of medical treatment in the USA is huge. Petrol (‘gas') is two to three times cheaper in the USA than it is in Europe. Virtually all petrol stations are open 24 hours a day on main roads and operate a prepay system, using a credit card at the pumps - otherwise, it is necessary to make yourself known to the cashier.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) (tel: 1 800 222 1333; www.aaa.com) provides information and may offer reciprocal benefits to members of automobile clubs in other countries. It is necessary to report a serious accident to the authorities. To do so, call the Dallas Police (tel: (214) 744 4444). For any other traffic information, call the Dallas Police Traffic Unit (tel: (214) 670 6955).

Emergency breakdown service: AAA (tel: 1 800 222 4357/AAA HELP).

Routes to the city: Dallas is encircled by a motorway link road - to the north and east it is the I-635 (the LBJ Freeway); to the south of the city, the east-west interstate is I-20; and to the west it is L-12 (north part) and S-20 (south part). Various interstates meet this beltway and pass on towards the city centre. The ones that go right across the city are the north-south I-35, which goes to Austin and San Antonio in the south, and the east-west I-30, which goes to Fort Worth in the west. The other major highways are US75 (the Central Expressway) from the north, the US67 from the southwest, the US80 from the east, the US175 and the I-45 from the southeast, which links to Houston.

Driving times to Dallas: From Austin - 4 hours; from Houston - 4 hours; from San Antonio - 6 hours, provided there are no traffic delays, which occur frequently.

Coach services: Greyhound Buses (tel: 1 800 231 2222;  www.greyhound.com) operate out of the bus station at 205 South Lamar Street (tel: (214) 849 6831). The facilities are limited to a cafe, ATMs, vending machines and toilets with disabled access. Greyhound operates coaches throughout America.