Egyptian Brake Pedals
Most visitors suspect leaving the sanctuary of their hotels risks being flown home in a box. But as Egyptian street life is gloriously vibrant it seems a shame to miss out when all that's needed are a few safety tips.
Walk like an Egyptian: This is easier than you think. Wear shoes with traction and keep looking over your shoulder to check what's going on behind, even when walking on what appears to be a 'safe' side of the road. There isn't one. Pot holes without safety barriers regularly appear overnight, so glancing down occasionally helps to prevent unwanted tumbles.
Jay walking: Is entirely legal, encouraged even. Nonetheless if you can avoid crossing the streets, do - you'll live longer. If you must cross then run as fast as you can in a zigzag fashion while keeping a constant watch on anything that's moving or could possibly move. Never assume someone will stop for you. They won't. For really busy areas it's better to find a place where locals are already crossing and tailgate them as nonchalantly as possible. Suspected stalkers are as unwelcome in Egypt as they are elsewhere.
Remember there's another way to cope with this. One can either hop in a taxi or, if one's feeling really brave, hire a car.
Rules of the Road: There are none. But still it's important to have your facts straight before attempting to pilot anything on wheels. For instance driving is done by constantly blasting horns and flashing headlights - a method known locally as 'The Egyptian Brake Pedal'.
Honking: Is done to signal intentions and warnings when, for example, anything is blocking the road, something looks like it might, something isn't and at traffic lights regardless of color. Drivers toot when pulling out, pulling in, stopping, moving, bored or when saying hello.
Lights: Indicators are reserved for use solely at night and then only to alert any following traffic of road bends ahead. In darkness headlights are flashed intermittently to oncoming traffic to alert them of their presence rather than used continuously. Saves on the battery apparently.
It's wise never to assume any human or animal has seen you - honk that horn and flash those lights even if it's just to be friendly!
Lane Markings: Are purely decorative. Drivers drive on which ever side of the road appeals, which is generally on your side. The intentions of another road-user should never be taken for granted as there's a good chance he hasn't decided yet and, even if has, he'll almost certainly change his mind again.
Overtaking: Cars, buses, carts and trucks will make every effort to overtake and undertake other vehicles even in what appears to be an impossibly tight space, as this gives them the right of way. Anyone who tries cutting in from behind is ignored as they're liable for collisions.
Collisions: If you do have an accident, immediately go on the offensive and offer to pay for repairs. The alternative is being screamed at until you're deaf and you'll still end up paying. If the local police happen to be around, standard procedure is to chuck everyone in prison regardless of fault and, believe me, you'll still end up paying.
Speeding: Strangely speed limits are rigidly enforced in Egypt. Even minor infringements can result in confiscation of one's driving license. Getting it returned is an expensive, protracted and laborious business with no guarantee of success.
Security: One safety feature you can always count on while cruising the Egyptian highways and byways is the road block. To some they seem like an unnecessary hindrance and the endless waiting to be judged friend or foe interminable. Be patient and remember the longer you wait, the longer you live.
Health warning: Adrenaline rush is addictive so proceed with all due caution.
- ENDS -
Related Tags: tips, advice, walking, driving, safety, culture, tourists, visitors, egypt, hazard
Elizabeth Hutcheson is a freelance writer now living in Dublin having spent the last four years walking and driving across Egypt.
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