moto's rule~
Yesterday, as Billy and I were riding around on our Moto's (scooters/mopeds), I thought it would be fun to make a list of some of the funny "driving rules" that we've seen and learned while living here in Cambodia. That way if someone decides to rent (or buy) a Moto they will have a better idea and understanding of what they are getting themselves into!
1. The first rule of thumb is to get the smallest and lightest Moto you can fit on. It will be easier to lift it off the ground (in case you fall) and it is better to be slow and in control then fast and crash (and have a heavy Moto land on you).
2. Get familiar with your Moto, especially your little horn (and of course your brakes). There is not a lot of honking (beeping) on the streets but it is for your own safety if you are unable to move out of the way and something (or someone) is coming at you. You just want to be able to give a little honk so they know you are a newbie and can't get out of their way.
3. Always wear a Helmet. Always wear a Helmet. Always wear a Helmet (knee pads are optional).
4. No SUDDEN moves or turns (see: "Back in the Saddle Again"). Only merge, slowly and safely, checking all around you as you go!
5. As you merge onto a street you want to be aware that no one else is aware of you. So it's not like you can come out and expect people to stop or even move over for you. You need to gage the distance between your exit with the next oncoming bit of traffic and get up to speed as fast as possible. Fortunately, the traffic usually goes pretty slow because of the crowded streets and pot holes (which is to your advantage).
6. It is ok to go at a slow speed (25mph), just stay to your right and expect other drivers to pass you (at a higher speed ~ 40mph). As you drive don't get too close to the sidewalk as you will have oncoming traffic coming at you (with them going in the wrong direction) meaning they will be coming strait at you! And remember that cars, tuk-tuk's and moto's will pass very close to you, sometimes knocking your side view mirror down ( Not that I'm speaking from experience 😉).
7. Pay attention when you are on your Moto: no people watching or window shopping.
8. Eyes on the road at all time with a keen sense of your peripheral view. Try to always be aware of everyone (all vehicles) and everything (people, trash, potholes, misc. items) around you WHILE looking strait ahead!
9. When passing or merging or turning (or just moving) you MUST look both ways each time and look behind you on each side every time, too, because POOF there are vehicles (and things) all over you on every side possible at any given second (vertical, too)!
10. Expect other moto's, bicycles, tuk~tuk's and the occasional car to head strait at you even if you are on a one way street.
11. You have to assume that everyone else has the right of way and you do not. This will keep you on your toes and conscientious of everyone and everything around you. This way nothing will take you by surprise (even though everything does).
12. Realize that there are "no rules" on the road (or sidewalks) for the Khmer people.
13. Understand that there are lights at some intersections but these are mostly optional for the Khmer people. It is a fairly new concept and they are trying to decide if this is something that they would like to adopt (and obey) in Cambodia.
14. In most country's when you are at an intersections a person who comes upon the busy street from a side street will stop or at least yield. This is not the case in Cambodia - EVER. They just turn onto your street without even glancing to see if vehicles (you) are in the lane they are supposedly merging into - death wish?!?
15. As you drive you mostly will go with the decision that the "masses” are going. If they all decide to just ignore the light and keep going strait, feel free to follow along (you are doing everyone a favor; by stopping you will get bumped or possibly run over or at the very least you will frustrate the other drivers!)!
16. On narrow streets or when you are passing someone you might think that it is a game of "chicken". The drivers really are not playing "chicken" but rather they can gage if you will move over, slow down or stop. They have been trained since birth so they are very good at this and you will become proficient at it in no time at all.
17. As mentioned before the masses have the right of way. This means if you come upon a busy street or are at any intersection with cars buzzing by in both directions and there is no foreseeable break in the near future, what you'll need to do is tag up with another moto, tuk-tuk, car or bicycle (the more the merrier). Once there is a big enough group of you (or one very brave individual), you begin to merge into the cross traffic and the crossing cars begin to slow down and you are able to ease your way into the traffic and get across the street. In many areas this has caused a gridlock to occur but that is usually only during periods of heavy traffic or during holidays!
18. News Flash - two of the main roads by our home were just paved! This is so fantastic because it was murder trying to negotiate around the potholes in the streets (and the sidewalks) while avoiding getting hit by the other vehicles who were also going around each pothole (which there were like, 50 per block).
19. Bad News Flash - two of our main roads were just paved - now the vehicles are going twice as fast so believe it or not it is now MORE dangerous than before!
As you get over the shock of the crazy driving in Cambodia and accept it and then embrace it, your driving days will be merry and bright! What used to be such a shocker to you is now second nature and it will be you who now will shock other newbies in Cambodia with your newly acquired skills.
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| Extra heavy traffic during the Holiday's |
This list is not to scare you or steer you away from driving. Driving in Cambodia is a fun and thrilling experience. As long as you understand the rules, don't get your feelings hurt, don't get mad at the other drivers and realize that this is their country and these are their rules (or lack of them) you will do just fine! And rest assured that there are Angels hovering over this sweet country of Cambodia!
