We came across a post on the PuertoRicoDayTrips website the other day, and can’t help but share the driving tips they gave for life in Puerto Rico. Defensive driving is always prudent, regardless in which country you find yourself. These tips fit right into that category:
Some examples of the typical bad driving habits you need to watch out for include.
Most people don’t use blinkers/turn signals when changing lanes. They just do it … quickly!
Even if someone’s turn signal is flashing, don’t necessarily believe it.
We have a "no passing on the right" rule, but people will pass in any lane (including using the shoulder as a passing lane).
We also have "keep right except to pass" and "left lane is the fast lane" rules. But people will drive slowly or very fast in any lane.
Motorcyclists make their lane in between lanes by riding on the line. Be careful changing lanes.
People make U-turns when they have a red light all the time.
People push the yellow light and end up running the red lights! Be extra careful at intersections. Do not jump the green light until you know the other traffic is stopped.
Be CAREFUL early in the morning. It seems that if no is using the intersection, people don’t bother stopping or waiting at red lights.
Be very careful around curves on small mountain roads or on small roads that don’t have a lot of traffic. Local drivers who know the curves take their lane in the middle! Go slowly and toot your horn before going around a narrow curve in the mountains, and keep a driver-side window cracked so you can hear others do the same.
The police drive around all the time with their blue lights on, so do not panic or pull over unless they turn on the siren.
Often, people will cut you off and even block a lane if they need to get into traffic. They do not wait for an opening.
People will stop suddenly and backup if they missed a turn or exit.
Don’t assume which direction people are going by the lane they are in. If they are in the wrong lane, they will turn from the lane the are in. You’ll see people turn left from the right-most lane, and other people turn right from the left-most lane.
What would you add to their list?