"Driving in Israel, is like 'life in Israel' in a microcosm."
No seriously, when you drive here, it is very much the same as living here. That is to say... it can be done - its simply a matter of proceeding at "your own risk"!
That said....there are definitely "Levels" to this insanity .
Some people - aren't audacious enough to even get behind the wheel.........
....and perhaps there is a certain wisdom in that.
The opposite extreme would be the daredevils who ride motorcycles heedless of the fact that trucks and very large buses merge when they "feel like it" and are generally unconcerned if any other motor vehicle is in their way. The rest of Israeli drivers are a range from your nervous and optimistically polite Olim (typically American), who wait courteously at the four way stops (and usually allow the other vehicle to go first) - to the more brusque and always in a hurry Israeli drivers - who beep loudly and uncomprehendingly at the "Dumb Ass" American in front of them .....because they haven't started moving during a yellow light or refuse to play chicken with the oncoming traffic thats headed directly at them. And so on and so forth...
Apparently, there is an official Israeli 'driving manuel' with a real 'set of rules' and a test, and everything (actually, not sure there is a manuel - but I can confirm that there is definitely an overpriced driving test- in which a large 'bribe' is 'mandatory', if you 'd like to pass the test, that is) .
But all kidding aside, there are no rules..... at least none that anybody follows.
Whoever is stronger, faster and just a little bit crazier gets to go first in any driving situation...thats the rule!
No comments:
Post a Comment