We watch with wonder the traffic here in Doumen. The boat yard is about 20 minutes from the hotel by foot and we get to observe driving both to and from the yard.
Similar to the "pirate code" in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie, traffic laws here are "guidelines" and not really rules. People do a good job of avoiding collisions, but you see lots of behavior that will make you shake your head in disbelief.
While there are lots of cars and trucks there are far more scooters and small motorcycles than in the USA. The scooter drivers view any paved surface as fair game so you'll see them driving on the sidewalk, shoulders, between lanes of cars and even in the lane of oncoming traffic. Car drivers would do likewise but aren't as small and maneuverable.
Because everybody is hyper aware of traffic and wants to avoid collisions, it all seems to work.
For pedestrians, you have to take an aggressive approach. Don't be foolish and step in front of a moving vehicle or scooter that has insufficient time to stop but also assert yourself when crossing a street even though there is oncoming traffic.
It is similar to riding a bicycle in traffic in Seattle. You have a right to be in the road so don't be intimidated into giving up your right.
No comments:
Post a Comment