I know you're wondering where 26 came from. Truthfully? Thin air. I'm not sure 26 is the right number, but I do know that 10 won't be enough and 26 seems like a good place to land. Driving here is really… well, amazing. Let's start with turning right. (Come, on, Beth. Of course you can get 26 posts out of driving if you're going to nitpick like this!) Just trust me, let's start with turning right:
Have you ever approached a red light with a single car sitting in the right lane? You turned your blinker on a while back, but they must not have noticed and didn't move over so you could make the turn. Ever wanted to just pull around that person on the left and turn right in front of them? In Shanghai, that dream can become your reality.
Very recently my driver was taking me to the grocery store and he knew I was in a hurry (as it turns out, this is only a minor incentive for the described right-turn strategy). We approached a light that we ALWAYS turn right at and it was packed - 3 cars across, 4 cars deep. Without hesitation, we head for the left lane. Naively I think, "Is this new store in a different direction?" No. As we approach the light, we turn to the right, cross 3 lanes of traffic, and drive naturally onto the highway entrance ramp.
Other possibilities for turning right:
- Cut into the bike lane. You may have to do this fairly early if there is a cement barrier between the car lanes & the bike lanes. Also, watch out for bikes. You don't want to have an accident.
- Squeeze between the car in the right lane and the cement barrier - very slowly so that you do not bump or scratch either car - until you get through to the street you want to turn onto. If you are irritated that the person in the right lane has not left enough room for you to squeeze through, it is appropriate to honk repeatedly, even if they have no room to move out of your way. Continue honking until they inch away, the light turns green, or by some other miracle, you make it through.
On the bright side (very bright) - imagine if you had to experience this when you were behind the wheel. You may be bemused now, but you would probably need therapy after driving this obstacle course yourself!
ReplyDeleteWhen we went to Beijing this summer, I was amazed at the driving. I spent most of the time with my mouth wide open and running across the street trying not to get hit by a car. I do not think that people can imagine it unless they experience it.
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