Thank you all! There are many good advices here. Happy Friday.

Well thankfully the speedlimits on AZ/NM highways are the highest in hte US, 75 mph and acceptable to drive much higher w/o a ticket.
The bigget problem, especially in NM and Albuquerque is the high numbers of drivers from across the border that don't have insurance, and don't know how to drive in general. These drivers have made NM one of the highest cost places in the US to get insurance. Make sure that you get the full insurance coverage on the rental car for un-insured drivers.
Lots of NM drivers drive fast, don't pay attention, and Albuquerque drivers are considered the worst drivers in the US, so watch out!

Take the secondary highways. NM is a beautiful place and you won't see much from an interstate. A slow drive through the Jemez Mountains is a real treat, one of the most scenic drives in the southwest. A drive through Silver City and the Gila Mtns into eastern AZ is also an great drive.

Both NM and AZ have many American Indian Reservations, and NM has several that are through-ways on major highways. In these locations the Indian Pueblo law inforcement is the governing body, not NM Police, so they can and will stop you for the smallest infraction. Drive slowly through them, the people are friendly, respectful and would appreciate any passers-by that stop and want to see their culture,gamble at their casino's, but they can be very adament for those who don't respect their laws.
Enjoy the drive.

No real road rules here but one thing to mention especially to the folks from Belgium (and Italy depending on what part) is wildlife. Sure, Europe has open spaces and wildlife but the sheer volume and size of critters that you are likely to impact, or be impacted by, in the western US is staggering.

Not much you can do for most of the freak (but not too uncommon) deer strikes but be aware of what an Armadillo car do to a rented Ford Fiesta!

Even though it is desert in large parts of both states, there are areas of high wildlife counts and caution driving at night on no-interstate roads is key.

Last thing, road gator's...also known tire treads. I do not remember ever seeing one in the middle of the hiway anywhere in Europe ut I do not remember going more that 25 miles on I-40 through either state without some on one lane or the other.

Try AAA.

As well as driving in the left lane, it is done in the midwest as well - if they are catching a truck, they will take the left lane when they are about a 1/2 mile behind the truck!

In town, watch out for people who creep out and out in order to enter traffic, If in Germany, they will hit you if they do that.

My wife [and her family] are from Italy and have driven over here in the States a number of times. The only thing they can't seem to understand is why American drivers use the left lane on the highway when they aren't passing; and that faster cars sometimes pass using the right lane(s). Either of these is a profound no-no over there.

Other than that, and our dreadfully low speed limits on the highways (by comparison), driving here is about the same as driving there. They'll be fine.

Note: if they look Italian/Mediterranean/Sardinian and go driving in Arizona, they may well be followed and profiled by law enforcement. It's happened to my bride each of the 4 times she's been in there. Keep the passports handy.

Best,

Cameron
Rose City

Contact your local/state agency that does drivers licenses. they should have a booklet or something for new drivers. that should explain all you need to know. Also a local drivers ed. school might help.
Good Luck and happy touring for your friends.
Deloc

Hi,

Don’t stop in small towns. Stay on the Interstate. Many small towns generate income by praying upon travelers.

Goatman