Day 18 – Driving habits in China versus driving at home
By bogaert| Since two weeks we are being using drivers and taxis to get us around towards client meetings and other appointments. I tried to understand the traffic rules, and it took me some time to understand them. Driving is China is quite different compared to what we are used to in Europe and Northern America. I don’t know the precise rules, how they are applied, but at least ten of my observations so far: | |
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1. “Turn on red and don’t look”. I knew the turn on red from driving around in the US, but when approaching the crossing you slow down and turn only when you’re sure the road is clear. Seems that in china you just turn on red, regardless of other traffic or pedestrians crossing. In particular as pedestrian you better watch out, if your light turns green to cross the street it does mean nothing. 2. “Do not pay attention to pedestrians”. Seems that pedestrians are not part of traffic. 3. “Cut the corner”. When turning left make sure you cut the corner totally off. So, on large crossings you really drive on the lanes from those turning right. 4. “Overtake and squeeze”. Seems when overtaking another vehicle you can squeeze you back into the lane once you passed the other vehicle for half the length of your own car. Of course, the other car has to brake and will use his horn. 5. “Driving lanes are for indication only”. Seems driving lanes suggest how to use the road, but actually you can drive in the middle of two lanes or drive with three cars next to each other on two lanes, in particular at crossings. |
#ibmcsc china Make your way |
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6. “Overtake and use your horn”. Whenever you overtake another car, use the horn. No idea why, but seems a habit, in particular when squeezing back into the lane to other car will us his horn to reply. 7. “Don’t pay attention to police presence”. When driving on the road our driver overtook a police car and crossed a double solid white line painted on the road, this he was driving on the opposite lanes. No reaction from the police. 8. “Load whatever you can”. No matter the load your vehicle can charge, load all you need till it cracks down. If you hardly move forward, don’t worry about traffic. You can even put up to five people on a simple motorbike. 9. “Don’t were helmets”. Motorbikes don’t were helmets, with a few exceptions such as police officers with some kind of helmet (not sure about the precise purpose). 10. “Bikes can drive on the left side of the road”. Even on busy roads bikes can drive against traffic, even when fully loaded. But you know what? It works ! |
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Load anything |
Load anything |
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Safety helmet |
Chickens on the road |
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