Manila Standard: US issues 'driving advisory' on RP

Sorry if this shows up twice. I initially posted it with an erronious
attribution to the PDI. I have requested cancellation of that article,
but such cancellations are not 100% effective.

US issues 'driving advisory' on RP
By Joyce Pangco Pañares

VISITING American diplomats have been warned - not about terrorist
attacks or other security threats but about the dangers posed by Manila

drivers.


"For most Americans, the most frustrating aspect of traffic is the
uniquely Filipino style of driving, which is often erratic and
unpredictable," says a recent post report sent by the US embassy in
Manila to Washington. "Those with orderly driving habits may find it
difficult to adjust to the chaos of Manila's streets... In Manila,
caution is the golden rule."


Manila traffic, the embassy says, can only be appreciated by
experiencing firsthand the unique environment combined with
Filipino's driving skills.


"Lane markings and crosswalks are mere suggestions, and stop signs
might as well be in Braille. Of the few working stoplights, they are
too long when obeyed and too dangerous when not. Buses stop in the
middle of the streets, allowing passengers to exit into oncoming
traffic," the report continues.


The embassy also described Filipino drivers' predilection for
changing lanes without warning as a game of "chicken" - where the
first to give way to an overtaking vehicle or a pedestrian trying to
cross the street loses.


"Drivers also turn into oncoming traffic when the proper lane is too
congested, while pedestrians and cars play a dangerous game of
'chicken' to see who will get to the intersection first."
<remaindier snipped>

see http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news02_dec31_2005

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