The Adventures of Julie

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Rules for Driving in Cambodia...

First, pile as many people as you can onto the back of the motorbike. You can easily fit 3 adults, 4, if you squish, on the back of a motorbike. Families of 4 work best, big sis in the front (usually standing up on the front of the bike - see pictures), then dad, and mom in the back holding the baby - or a variation thereof.

Next, you want to see what else you can put on a motorbike. Be creative. Ladders (see picture), tires (I saw a guy with 9 tires hanging off his motorbike today), large boxes, live animals, laundry buckets, really it can all be piled on. Extra points of you can balance both objects and people, such as the lady balancing on the top of a large tool box, that I saw today.

Remember, there is no driving age. If your feet can reach the pedals, you are good to go. Oh, and don't forget to bring your brother along on the back for good measure, maybe even a few more siblings.

Traffic lights are outdated in Cambodia. Basically, you just go where you want to go. When you need to cross five lanes of moving traffic, you just go, cars and motorbikes will swerve out of your way, and you will make it to the other side. This works for crossing traffic on foot as well. If you need to merge, just drive along on the wrong side of the road, like our tuk tuk driver did today, and cross over when you see a good opening.

Other important rules

Show no fear.
Use your horn often and loudly, you really don't need a reason.
Drive very very fast. This will make you less of a target.
Do not be afraid to duck into oncoming traffic, weave around traffic, create your own lane, or even a new traffic rule.
Helmets are optional, as is safety gear. Flip flops, shorts, skirts (you just sit side saddle and balance) are all fine.
And most importantly have fun.

by jewel30 at 7:19 AM |