Driving dirty

You may remember that back on 21/11/07 I made some observations about BsAs drivers. (I would link but I can't get my head around the code so you'll just have to look for yourselves) anyway, since I've been in Chile I have been consistently impressed by not only the standard of driving but also the care and courtesy shown by drivers to pedestrians.

First, let's talk about the standard of driving. How can you not be impressed by a bus driver who casually reverses (yes, reverses) his bus onto a RORO ferry, guided by little more than a few hand gestures and a couple of planks of wood. Ok, he does this several times a day but no bumps, no swerves, no scrapes and room for passengers to get off while the boat is moving.

Secondly, long distance bus drivers who aren't allowed to drive for more than five hours straight or at more than 100kph (and stick to the rules) and, despite hold-ups due to traffic accidents, still manage to get you to your destination on time.

Thirdly, traffic lights which tell pedestrians how long they have to wait for the green man - and drivers who don't think the amber is a signal to speed up.

Fourthly, local bus drivers who not only look at your map but point out where they are going and drop you off between stops in the right place.

And finally, (and I'd forgotten about this until I looked through my photos) 4x4 drivers who put the car into drive and then get out and walk along side as it takes itself for a little drive (OK that was in Argentina but...)