We've got some of the best readers out there. Sometimes we will get a comment that is so great, it don't deserve to be stuck at the bottom of a post. Our friend and frequent commenter, Kahlil, left such a thought provoking comment in response to Getting Ready: Change Your Driving Habits. He makes some great points about how driving in the Middle East really changed the way he behaved, both abroad and at home. For me, traveling in general requires many of the same considerations. Check out his thoughts below.
I'd like to offer some other ideas, from experiences in the Middle East, mostly in Beirut and Turkey. I promise I am not trying to take away from the advice Austin is giving...I'm just coming from another angle. ;)
- Be respectful but don't be timid
- Learn to use your horn
- Upon returning to the States (or home, wherever that may be) take some time to unwind and "debrief")
If you hesitate or become too timid you risk getting into an accident. Traffic lights and stop signs are often mere suggestions. Once you're familiar with how traffic flows it will often cruelly change during busy times of the day or over the weekend. I am not suggesting you blow past signs and lights, just be aware of other drivers that might. You can't always expect people to merge and give you space to enter a lane or exit, often you have to weasel your way in. It isn't rude, it is just how things are done. See #2...
I am amazed at Lebanese drivers...talking on the phone, one foot on gas, one foot on brake, and one hand on horn. the length and number of beeps is another language all to its own. Learn it, use it, and don't get stressed out by all the honking.
Even being a passenger in Middle Eastern traffic seems to change the way you drive in the US. The first few trips to Beirut changed the way I drove when I returned to the States. I was a much more aggressive driver, but I was also more attuned to what was around me. Just take into consideration that you've been driving in a totally different culture, and in my case with the Middle East, it was a busier and more congested traffic situation. The lines, signs, and traffic lights here in the States offered up a slower and more structured driving experience and it took some time to get used to driving here again.
On a side note, I've also observed that bumpers are more than decoration and used frequently.
Post new comment