Thursday, November 6, 2008

When in Huatulco, drive as the Huatulquenos do

What follows are my observations on driving in Huatulco only. Not to be construed as applying to Mexican drivers as a whole, since I have no road experience outside my little corner of the country. Just as East Coast drivers are different from West Coast drivers are different from Southern drivers, rural from urban or suburban, I assume it's likely a similar variety exists in Mexico. However, here in Huatulco, these are the prevailing rules of the road:
1. Obey the posted speed limit, except when: a) you want to go faster; b) you want to go slower; c) you didn't see it.
2. Stay in your own lane, except when: a) you are trying to avoid a pothole; b) you are passing somebody; c) it feels better in the center; d) you weren't paying attention; e) you see somebody you know and have to swerve to wave at them.
3. Come to a complete stop at all stop signs, except when: a) you are sure you can beat the traffic; b) nobody is around; c) pedestrians are crossing in front of you (in which case, slow way down, but keep moving so they don't know if they should go or not).
4. Use your horn: a) when the light turns green; b) just before the light turns green; c) to attract passengers (if you are a taxi driver); c) to say hello to friends; d) to say goodbye to friends; e) to let your friend know you are there to pick them up (if the first five or six blasts don't work, keep trying. Only losers quit); f) to let scooter riders know you are there, but only when you're right behind them or passing; g) your stereo has stopped working and you need to keep the beat to the song you're singing.
5. Do not go the wrong way down a one-way street, except when: a) you made a mistake; b) you're driving backwards; c) you only have to go three or four blocks; d) someone else is coming the correct way.
6. Use your blinkers: a) all the time; b)never.
7. Leave a courteous amount of distance between you and the car ahead, except when: a) you are at a stop light/sign; b) you are in motion.
8. When parking, make sure you do one or more of the following: a) park headfirst and leave the back sticking out in the street; b) pass the spot, drive a block or more, then back up till you reach it, at which point do a); c) double park in front of a scooter, so it can't get out; d) if you are in a lot, angle your car to cover at least two spots; e) stop wherever you are and get out, you'll just be a minute.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

That reminds me so much of South American drivers it is uncanny. Or just downright scary, as when you are flying along a dirt road hugging a mountain 600 feet in the air. It continually shocks me that I did not see a single traffic accident the entire time I was down there.
-Rico

polandteacher said...

I suppose in the interests of full disclosure, I should have mentioned that I drive like a native now.