Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Know Before You Go ‰ Driving is on the right. ‰ Drivers are required to carry a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Insurance must include fire and theft. ‰ A US license is good for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is required for drivers from some countries. ‰ Identification may be required by officials at any time. Carry passport or a photocopy of passport. ‰ Car rental agreements may limit the type or class of road access allowed. ‰ If driving outside of the capital city area, leave travel plans with a trusted person. Harsh weather conditions are common, and vast areas of Iceland are extremely remote. Distances between towns are great. Cell phone reception may not be reliable in remote areas. ‰ Pedestrians make up 11 percent of all road traffic fatalities. ‰ Motorized two- and three-wheeled recreational vehicles are common; riders account for 11 percent of road traffic deaths. ‰ Blood alcohol limit is below 0.05 g/dl for all drivers. Despite limits, 14 percent of road traffic deaths involve Source: CIA Factbook alcohol use. ‰ There are 6.6 road deaths per 100,000 people in Iceland, compared to 2.8 in Sweden and 3.1 in the UK.

Driving Culture • Drivers may behave aggressively. • Tailgating is common. • Many drivers fail to use turn signal or to indicate turns to other road users. • Speeding is typical. • Despite laws prohibiting distracted driving behavior, many drivers use mobile phones or other devices while driving. • It is not uncommon to find visiting motorists stopped in roadways to take photographs; stopped cars and persons on foot may not be easily visible on hilly or winding roads. • In many areas of the country, there is little road traffic. As a result, drivers may drive down the center of two-lane roads. This is more prevalent when ice and snow accumulate on the sides of roads. Be alert to oncoming traffic that may not abide lane demarcations, particularly when approaching a hill or blind curve.

Road Conditions • There are 12,898 km (8,014 miles) of roads in Iceland; • Blind rises are common. Be aware of traffic 7,251 km (4,505 miles) are unpaved; 5,647 km (3,508 approaching from the opposite direction. miles) are paved or have oiled gravel surfaces. • Bridges and tunnels are often single lane. Be alert to • Less than one third of the road network has a paved oncoming headlights. surface. • Many roads outside of Reykjavik are typically • Rural roads may turn from paved to gravel surfaces impassable from October to April, including roads with little advance warning. running through the center of the country. • Outside of large urban areas, roads are typically • Road categories: narrow with rough surfaces. Many roads lack » Primary Roads (S) – all roads that are part of the shoulders. Grid Icelandic transport system.

©ASIRT 2021 1 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Iceland Road Condtions, continued » Secondary roads (T) connect to many tourist destinations and are more than 10 km (6.2 miles) in length. » Local access roads (H) usually lead to individual properties or regional connecting roads. » Highland roads (L) include mountain roads and roads that do not fit into other categories. » F roads are unpaved tracks accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles; roads may include rivers without bridges that must be forded. Many have large potholes or boulders. • Route 1, also called Ring Road, is the main road and extends around the coast for a length of 1,339 km (832 miles). Surfaces are well maintained. Long stretches in the eastern region of the country have unpaved gravel surfaces. • Most sections of Ring Road are a single lane in each direction. When passing through Reykjavik or large towns, the road may expand to include additional lanes. • Road numbering system beyond Route 1/Ring Road: » Roads starting with 2 are in Eastern South Iceland, divided by the Þjórsá river. » Roads starting with 3 are in Western South Iceland, divided by the Þjórsá river. » Roads starting with 4 are in Reykjavík and vicinity and on the Reykjanes peninsula. » Numbers starting with 5 are in West Iceland. » Roads starting with 6 are in the Westfjords. » Roads starting with 7 are in Western North Iceland, divided in the middle of Tröllaskagi peninsula. » Roads starting with 8 are in Eastern North Iceland, divided in the middle of Tröllaskagi peninsula. » Roads starting with 9 are in East Iceland. • Road hazards include large animals and loose livestock on roadways; fields with sheep may not be fenced. • Pedestrian infrastructure is well developed in cities and towns. • Measures to enhance pedestrian safety in multiple locations include computer-aided crosswalks and 3-D zebra crosswalks. • Public demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations may turn confrontational and may result in disruptions to road travel and public transportation. • The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerdin) provides real time conditions and status of roads in English at http://www.road.is/ • The following roads may present particular challenges to motorists: » Road 622/Svalvogur Road is regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous roads. This coastal route along Maximum Speed Limits Dýrafjörður fjord is located in the mountainous region of the Westfjords in the northwestern region of the Type of road Maximum speed 50 kph country. Four wheel drive is necessary. The 22-km Urban areas (30 mph) (13.6 -mile) route is popular with tourists, and links 90 kph Rural roads Þingeyri and Lokinhamrar. The surface is comprised of (55 mph) loose rocks and rough gravel. Mud is common. At high 100 kph Highways tide, large sections of the road are submerged. There (60 mph) are many steep, narrow sections without guardrails. Always adjust speed according to signage, hazards and The road should not be attempted during rain or weather conditions. winter months. Closures are common year round.

Signs are generally pictorial and may not follow European Union conventions.

Shared use No entry for “Living Street” Difficult road: No bicycles with Traffic Stop ahead Other One path vehicular residential area four-wheel drive motor assistance merges into for toll danger lane tunnel traffic required lane pattern

©ASIRT 2021 2 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Iceland Road Conditions, continued » Route 93/Fjarðarheiði Pass is a high mountain • Be familiar with emergency procedures. The Red road connecting the small towns of Egilsstaðir and Cross provides a website and free, downloadable Seyðisfjörður in the Eastern Region. The road has emergency app: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/ an asphalt surface and is subject to severe weather prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies conditions including heavy snowfall, avalanches and landslides that may occur at any time of the Transportation year. The road is a popular scenic route; visitors • Transportation optionsinclude cars, buses, taxis and unfamiliar with driving in remote areas should ferries. avoid this road. • Rideshare services are not available. » F899/Flateyjardalsvegur on the north coast • Public transportation is generally regarded as safe and toward Brettingsstaðir is a challenging drive that reliable. requires a four-wheel drive vehicle with extra • Buses are the main form of public transportation. high ground clearance due to multiple dangerous • The Icelandic Public Bus Network (Strætó) operates water crossings. Water levels may change rapidly throughout Iceland. according to rain and snowmelt. It is popular with • Municipal bus service is limited to Reykjavik and some visiting drivers. The surface is highly uneven with larger towns. deep potholes and large boulders strewn across the surface. Do not attempt this road in the dark, • Long distance bus routes are available to other or if there are no other vehicles nearby to offer destinations within Iceland. emergency assistance. • There are 27 Strætó routes in Reykjavik and 21 » Oddsskardsgong mountain tunnel on Route 93 in additional routes throughout the country. the East Fjords links Neskaupstaður and Eskifjörður. • Tickets may be purchased on board or through the The single-lane tunnel is 630 meters (688 yards) in Strætó app using Visa and Mastercard. Bus drivers length and has two pullover bays inside to allow for cannot accept credit cards or give change; exact fare is passing. The tunnel is dimly lit. Motorists should be required. cautious and remain alert to approaching vehicles. • Tickets purchased through the app are good for 75 The tunnel should be avoided at night or during minutes from the time of ticket activation. periods of low visibility, particularly by drivers • The Strætó app also includes a route planning unfamiliar with the road. function. Regional and Seasonal Conditions • Taxis are available in Reykjavik and larger towns. • Iceland is subject to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, • Official taxis are metered and are identifiable by wind, harsh winter weather and mud. lighted “taxi” signs on roofs. • Weather and road conditions can change rapidly. • There is no rail service. • Hazardous areas are not always identified with • Ferries are operated by multiple companies. appropriate signage. • There is regular ferry service to the following islands: • The entire island is volcanically and seismically active. » Flatey, Brjánslækur and Stykkishólmur. There is an ongoing eruption at Geldingadalur on the » , the largest and most populated Reykjanes Peninsula. island. • Volcanic eruptionsmay be accompanied by the » Hrísey in northern Iceland’s Eyjafjörður. release of dangerous gases and glacial melt. » Grímsey in the northernmost part of Iceland. • Glacial flooding may result from sudden glacial melts. » From Reykjavik to Viðey Island. • Tremors from earthquakes and seismic activity may cause rock falls and avalanches in mountainous areas. Traffic Regulations Roads may become blocked with little warning. • Drivers must be at least 17 years of age. • Strong winds may cause localized sand and ash storms. • Minimum age to rent a vehicle is generally 21; drivers • During winter months, daylight hours are limited. Use must have at least one year’s experience. To rent an caution. off-road vehicle, drivers typically are required to be at least 25 years of age. Restrictions may vary with car • Significantannual snowmelt can cause high river levels rental agency. and heavy mud until July. ©ASIRT 2021 3 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Iceland Traffic Regulations, continued • Beyond cities, there are few traffic lights. • Helmet use is compulsory for motorcycle drivers and • Headlights must be kept on at all times. passengers. Helmets are not required to be fastened; for safety, helmets should be securely fastened. • Right turns on red are prohibited. • Children are not restricted from being passengers on • In roundabouts, drivers must yield to cars from the motorcycles. Children under the age of seven must be left/inside lane. Failure to understand this unusual in an appropriate motorcycle child seat; children older traffic rule is a contributing factor in many crashes than seven must be able to reach pedals with their involving visitors. feet. When possible, avoid carrying child passengers • Off-road drivingis strictly prohibited. Leaving main on motorcycles. roadways may result in high fines or imprisonment. • Winter tires are mandatory from around November • Credit cards may not be accepted at petrol stations. 1 to April 14; exact dates vary by year and weather Check with card issuer to determine usage prior to conditions. Studded tires are not allowed. travel. • Snow chains may be used on an as-needed basis. • Seat belt use is mandatory for drivers and all • Vehicles must be equipped with a set of winter tires passengers. and a warning triangle. Warning triangle must be used • Children under the age of six years must be secured in in conjunction with hazard warning lights. a child seat appropriate to size and weight. • Police may issue on-the-spot fines. • Children under 140 cm (55 inches) in height, 40 kg (88 • Police may carry out random breath tests for alcohol pounds) in weight or 12 years in age may not ride in use. the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an airbag. Enforcement is high.

Reykjavik (Capital) » Largest city. The population is approximately 200,000 people. » Road are well maintained. Signage is clear. » Three main roads provide entry to the city: Road 40 from the west, and Ring Road (Route 1) from both the east and north. » Traffic is generally low but increases during peak tourist seasons, and on Sundays and days following holidays. » Be alert to motorists unfamiliar with road systems and traffic regulations. » Cycling is popular, especially in warmer months. There are few bicycle paths. Cycling in roadways and on sidewalks is legal; cyclists should be alert to pedestrians and to motorists unfamiliar with city streets. » Transportation options include cars, buses, taxis and ferries. » City buses are bright yellow in color. » The main terminal is Bus Terminal Reykjavik on the edge of the city. Other stations include the Gray Line Bus terminal for long-distance routes. » Buses generally operate from 6:30 am to midnight. » There are several night bus routes. » Most taxis in Reykjavik offer 24-hour service. » Taxis are metered and regulated. Taxis may be ordered by phone or found at taxi ranks in the city near hotels and tourist sites. » Pedestrian infrastructure is well-developed. The city center is small and easily navigable on foot. Pedestrians should use caution during winter months when streets and sidewalks may be slippery with ice, and in spring when snowmelt creates muddy conditions. » Pedestrian safety initiatives include the installation of computer-aided crosswalks in five areas of Reykjavik. Sensors detect the approach of pedestrians and activate LED lights to illuminate pedestrians, and additional warning lights to draw the attention of motorists to persons on foot.

©ASIRT 2021 4 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Iceland Reykjavik, continued » Ferries are available to Viðey Island. » Keflavik International Airport is 50 km (31 miles) southwest of city center. » Public buses are available to city center. » Flybus and Gray Line airport buses have regular routes to and from the city. Route times are coordinated with flight arrivals and departures at the airport. » A bus stop for public buses, Flybus and Gray Line buses is located on the sidewalk outside of the arrivals terminal. Transfer may be required from large city and airport buses to smaller city buses capable of navigating narrow streets and tight corners; transfer information is provided by driver based on passenger destinations/ticket information for transport directly to hotel. » Taxi queues are located outside of the arrivals area. Taxis are available 24 hours a day. » Most major car rental agencies are represented at the airport.

Akureyri Town » Largest town beyond Reykjavik. Regarded as the unofficial capital of North Iceland. » The Ring Road links the city to the rest of Iceland. » There is little traffic. Roads are well marked. » Transport options include cars, buses and taxis. » City buses are operated by SVA. City bus travel is free. » City buses run approximately once an hour until 11 pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6 pm on weekends and holidays. » Long distance bus service is provided by the Icelandic Public Bus Network (Strætó). There is regular service to and from Reykjavik. » Taxis are operated by BSO-TAXI. There is one taxi rank in city center. » There is a cruise ship terminal located in the harbor. Motorized and pedestrian traffic increases when cruise ships are in port. » International Airport is 3 km (1.8 miles) from city center. » The airport is small. International service is limited to other parts of Iceland and a few Scandinavian destinations. » There are several daily flights to and from Reykjavik. » A walking path connects the airport to the city center. Walk time is approximately 30 minutes. » Taxis may be ordered over the phone. At peak flight arrival times, some taxis may be found outside of the passenger arrivals area. » There is no bus service to or from the airport to the city. » Some major car rental agencies are represented at the airport.

Reykjanesbær » The town is very small. » Roads are in good condition and are well marked. » Transport options include cars, buses and taxis. » Located between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik. » City buses are blue and yellow in color. Tickets may be purchased on board. » There are regular city buses to and from Reykjavik city center and Keflavik International Airport. » Taxis may be ordered by phone or found near hotels. » Taxis are metered and regulated.

©ASIRT 2021 5 Association for Safe International Road Travel Road Safety Review: Iceland Accommodations and Inclusions for Mobility Challenged • Icelandic law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Law requires that public accommodations and government buildings, including elevators, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. • All government buildings in Iceland are wheelchair accessible. Most museums, malls, and large shopping centers in the capital area are wheelchair accessible. • Public buses and taxis provide services to accommodate individuals with disabilities. • Many stores in Reykjavik’s historic district, including Laugavegur shopping street, are not wheelchair accessible. • Many streets in downtown Reykjavik are steep and lack curb ramps. Sidewalks are uneven. • Not all hotels in Reykjavik or smaller hotels beyond the capital are easily accessible for persons with mobility challenges. • There are few paths or maintained trails at natural attractions beyond urban areas; surfaces may be difficult to navigate for persons with mobility challenges.

Emergency Information • Pre-program emergency numbers into your phone before departure. • Responders to emergency numbers in remote areas may not speak English. » Police, ambulance and fire: 112 • Though medical care is of high quality, only limited services may be available in small towns and remote areas. • Beyond urban areas, responses to emergency situations may be delayed. It may take additional time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient or to provide life-saving measures. • Non-residents are responsible for the cost of all care. Medical fees are expected to be paid in full before a non- resident leaves the country. • The Search and Rescue Association of Iceland (ICE-SAR) has created a safety app for visitors using GPS technology which allows your location to be pinpointed in the event of an emergency. The app may be downloaded on safetravel.is, through the iPhone App Store and at Google’s Play Store for Android phones. • If involved in a crash: » Call police. » Activate hazard lights and place warning triangle to alert others of crash. » Do not move vehicle until directed to do so by police unless it is obstructing a road in a way that endangers other road users. » Collect contact information of other driver(s) and any witnesses, including plate numbers and registration. If possible, take photographs of scene. » Request copy of police report to submit to car rental agency.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION FOR SAFE INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRAVEL (ASIRT) ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company crash on the roads of Turkey. Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to travelers. This Road Safety Review is intended to provide general guidelines for travelers to countries around the world. Any electronic links provided in this Report are for illustrative purposes and ASIRT is not responsible for the content provided within these electronic links and/or videos. Copyright: Purchasers of this Road Safety Review are entitled to use it for purposes of research, education, information on health, safety and general road and traffic conditions or other non-commercial uses. Neither the whole nor any part of this ASIRT Road Safety Review may be copied in any form or provided to any other party without the prior written consent of the copyright owner. Flag images are © Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook. To order more copies or to order Road Travel Reports for other countries please contact: Association for Safe International Road Travel, 11769 Gainsborough Road, Potomac, MD 20854 USA, Phone: 1-240-249-0100; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.asirt.org; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASIRT.org/ ©ASIRT 2021 6