Stupid Driver and Some Learning Points

[Lao Jia Hou]

Not just a Shanghai problem, happens everywhere around here, and much worse ... I can't understand how they can get anywhere safely.

So true!

I think one of the key reasons why there are not more accidents (and there DEFINITELY should be) is that Chinese drivers appear to (correctly) assume that the idiot in front of them will do something incredibly stupid.

In the West, we assume that other drivers are somewhat skilled and will follow the rules. If someone does something stupid in the West, it will likely result in an accident.

In China, stupid driving is the norm, so drivers adjust for it. Defensive driving out of necessity.

I spent a few years in Beirut, Lebanon, and IMHO there is nowhere in the world where drivers are more insane (although I've heard that Saudi is even worse). Chinese drivers are stars compared to the Lebanese. I was told that the reason for insane Lebanese drivers is because during their lengthy civil war, it was literally a life/death situation of keeping your car moving. A stopped car was a sniper's target. Today, the practice continues, and cars frequently mount the sidewalk, completely ignore traffic lights, drive on the wrong side, and so on ... to a level that makes China look downright civilized.