Situated on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Estonia is a very quiet and calm country. Excellent roads in Estonia make it easy to travel across the entire territory of this state, which is especially convenient for residents of the north-western regions of Russia, bordering Estonia.
Estonian sparse road network
Estonia is a fairly small country, but its population density is very low. The country is home to less than one and a half million inhabitants, with almost a third of them in the state capital, Tallinn. Therefore, the roads here, although they cover the whole country, are not too numerous.
Several highways of national importance cross almost the entire country, connecting both seaside Tallinn with the southern and eastern borders, and passing from the north to the south, bypassing the capital. All major highways are distinguished by the highest quality of the pavement, evenness and the absence of cracks and potholes. Bright and convenient markings make driving on such roads clear and simple, and the presence of fog bollards helps when driving on coastal roads with high humidity.
Most of the local roads run through rural areas or woodlands and are unpaved. But thanks to the mild climate and low traffic load, they do an excellent job with their functions, and driving on them is also not difficult. A trip away from the city gives the traveler the opportunity to enjoy the pristine silence of the forest or the bucolic beauty of the neat rural houses that occasionally come into the driver's field of vision. Rigas, as these houses are called, usually stand alone, at a distance from the road.
There are no toll autobahns in Estonia, they are simply not needed here, the existing roads are quite enough.
Features of national driving
There are many jokes about the slowness of Estonians. However, in reality it is just calmness and the ability to remain calm in all situations. And on the road, this quality is extremely useful and appropriate. In Estonia, it is customary to drive politely and friendly, there is no need to show your superiority over other drivers. There are few violators here, everyone prefers to follow the rules - for their own peace of mind and safety.
Many local traffic rules are also aimed at minimizing the danger to all road users. Therefore, there are a number of rules here:
- all passengers must be wearing seat belts;
- when stopping, the reversing lights must be on;
- getting out of the car when stopping on the road is necessary only in a vest with reflective stripes;
- the maximum permitted speed is 110 km / h, and then only in certain areas;
- in winter, it is allowed to drive at a speed not exceeding 90 km / h.
Since many Estonian roads pass through forests, it is necessary to carefully look at the road, and also be prepared for emergency braking in the event of a sudden appearance of large living creatures. Unfortunately, accidents involving wild animals are not uncommon here, since there are few cars here and representatives of the fauna are simply not used to cars on the roads.
Arriving in Estonia by car, you can explore this charming country in a few days. At the same time, it is very convenient and safe to ride here.
