Monday, July 03, 2006

Road Courtesy

So imagine this:
A narrow two-lane side-road leading to the car park. A car stops on one lane. The door opens onto the other lane and a man is stepping out. At the same time, another car comes from the opposite direction on the other lane.

So, if you the driver of the second car, what would you do?
1. Slow down, stop and wait for the man to close the door before moving forward.
2. Continue driving, try to squeeze your car through and at the same time cast a mean glare at the man stepping out of the car.

Now imagine this:
A narrow 2-lane side road. 10 metres ahead, a busy main road. A pedestrian is about to cross the 2-lane. What do you do?

1. Slow down and stop to allow the pedestrian to cross, even though there are no pedestrian crossing markings on the road. After all, you have to wait for the main road to clear before you can turn out.
2. Step on the accelerator. You must get to the edge of the junction no matter.

If you are a driver in Singapore, you are likely to be doing number 2 on both instances.

Why? I have no idea. Singaporean drivers tend to think they own the road and therefore must always have the upper hand, either by casting mean glances, staring at irreverent pedestrians, sounding their horns for the no apparent reasons, racing on roads within housing estates, etc.

I think, it is time drivers cool off and take it easy while on the road. Especially to pedestrians.