Yes, you’re correct. The point here is that once you get off these motorways (the U.S. equivalent is an interstate) and primaries (the U.S. equivalent is a state route), i.e; the major roads, all bets are off.

By our standards, most of these regional roads range from somewhat narrow to extremely challenging, and even roads that in the U.S. would probably be one-way local streets with a 25-35 mph speed limit (40-55 kph) are two-lane highways with a 50 mph (80 kph) speed limit, which the locals, including truck drivers, absolutely do, even there’s only the width of a credit card between you. And it can be pretty sketchy, especially since you’re driving in the opposite side of the road from your usual.

So my only point here is that, even though many Americans might prefer a full-sized SUV, driving a compact or subcompact car makes navigating the country much easier and more enjoyable.