Street smarts.
It should be obvious right? This is a lesson we have been learning since infancy: look both ways before you cross, always use a cross walk, don't step out into oncoming traffic, and absolutely NO jaywalking.
OH American children you are so naïve!
Pay close attention, because if ever in an Asian country, you risk freezing up in fear OR getting side swiped by an oncoming taxi if you attempt to abide by your childhood rules. Lucky for you I have compiled a list of basic dos and don'ts of how to cross a street and ACTUALLY get to the other side.
Do – Remember in Asia, they drive on the left and not the right. This really does change things drastically.
DON'T – Forget this fact and begin to cross looking left first assuming you are ok…
Do – Use a cross walk IF they exist.
DON'T – Waste too much time looking for a cross walk… they don't really exist.
Do – Focus on yourself. No time for heroics. Every man for themselves!
DON'T – Be a lemming and blindly follow the person in front of you. This is not a virtual game of Frogger… this is real life.
Do– Stare down the drivers, let them know you mean business.
DON'T– Assume that if you made eye contact, they will stop. They will more than likely accelerate.
Do– Commit.
DON'T – Freeze. Not a good defense mechanism. Fight or flight? Better choose flight.
Do– RUN!
DON'T –Pay attention to your cool-headed travel companion casually strolling across the street. His time will come (this is much like running in airports: its funny to watch until it's your plane that's leaving!)
Do– Take advantage of traffic jams to maneuver through cars.
DON'T– Wait until there is no traffic. You might as well bring a lawn chair and set up camp.
Do– Watch out for mopeds.
DON'T – Assume that you are safe on the sidewalk. Any space to pass is fair game in rush hour.
Bear in mind that this list may vary depending on the number of cows in the street (India) and whether or not the country believes in obeying simple traffic laws. If worse comes to worst, find a native and stick to him like glue until safely on the other side. This maybe awkward, but it is the surest way to get across with all of your limbs still in tact!
Finally, swallow your pride. At some point you will be that white tourist who may or may not be the cause of Asian road rage. People are already staring at you so a few more glances won't make much of a difference.
You can do it. I have the utmost confidence in you and believe that you too will be able to cross a street with the ease and grace 🙂
