Driving in Lima, Peru
February 9, 2009
Driving in Peru, and particularly in Lima, is a challenge. Drivers ignore the rules of the road, have no consideration for others and die at a rate of 30 per 100,000 vehicles per year.
The British Embassy warns visitors:
Driving standards in Peru (particularly in Lima) are poor, with stop signs and traffic lights frequently ignored. Drivers overtake on either side, with little concern for pedestrians or oncoming traffic. Crashes resulting in death and injury take place almost every day.
While the US Embassy warns visitors:
Driving conditions in Peru are very different from those found in the United States and can be considerably more dangerous. Visitors are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with local law and driving customs before attempting to operate vehicles.
So, lets familiarize ourselves with the local regulations and customs. To do this, we will walk through some simple multiple choice questions like those Peruvians must answer to be awarded a driver’s licence. Answer them correctly and you too will be qualified to drive in Lima and Peru!
1. As two cars approach an unsigned intersection at the same time, who has the right of way?
a) The car on the left b) The car on the right c) Whoever moves first
2. Overtaking is done always on the:
a) Left b) Right c) Right & at highest speed possible to avoid accidents by getting it over with as quick as possible.
3. A stop sign means:
a) Honk horn b) Speed up c) Slow down
4. A speed limit of 80kmph means:
a) 90-120kmph b) A suggestion for those not in a hurry c) Minimum speed
5. When needing to turn left, across traffic, which lane should you be in?
a) Far right b) Rightmost lane c) The lane furtherest away from the left
6. Red, Amber and Green traffic lights mean:
a) Ignore, Speed up, Go. b) Slow down, Speed up, Go. c) Caution, Go, Floor it.
7. Overtaking on a blind turn is:
a) Encouraged b) Legal c) Mandatory
8. In a hospital zone:
a) Speed can be increased and less caution taken as help is nearby b) The entrance is as good as any place to park c) Play a song using your horn to cheer up the patients d) All of the above
I won’t post the answers. Happy driving!
Disclaimer: If you are a safe driver, although you may annoy those who aren’t, you should be perfectly safe, so long as you know what to expect.
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Driving in Lima can be hectic. But, there are people out there who respect the rules!
Besides, it also depends on where on Lima you are driving
Haha! I love the quiz!
I just returned from the States and my first day back driving on the Limean streets is like riding a bike again!
Miami and NYC traffic have nothing on Lima!
I respect the rules of the road here and often I get honked at for doing so. It may bother the other drivers like you say, but it keeps my kids and I alive and my car intact.
Too bad the embassies don’t really tell it like it is…”UTTERLY CHAOTIC!” and “HAZARDOUS TO YOUR PERSON.”
Yes, traffic in Lima is caotic… every driver gets stressed and angry when driving…
I hope that this situation will improve for better… :S
Miguel, the vast majority don´t. On the other hand, it´s liberating to have no problems with exceeding a speed limit on an dry empty road, passing through a red light when there is no traffic, etc. I just wish drivers considered other people as human beings rather than enemies to crush. It´s funny how the friendliest kindest politest Peruvian becomes a self-centred rude incourteous mad-man as soon as he sits down behind the wheel. You are valueless in his eyes.
Rachel,
I also respect the rules. I also let people cross the street and do not block intersections.
I even find myself doing it over zealously just to annoy the idiots with no respect. I get no greater sense of joy as when a speeding pituca in her SUV has to slow down and stop behind my little Beetle to let some women and children cross the street. The honking I get in response is just so gratifying.
Diana,
Luckily it doesn´t really get to me, I accept the situation for what it is and get on with life. But yes, the situation has to change, but how to you teach people to be considerate to others?
When I arrived in Japan five years ago I felt something odd on the streets which I couldn’t pinpoint. No, it was not that all cars and buses were new. No, it was not that everybody was stopping on the red lights and respecting speed limits. No, it was not that all cars were giving preference to pedestrians.
Tree days later I got it! It was the lack of honking!!!
Man, was I happy to be here…
I am gearing up to get my Peruvian license and brave the wild and wicked streets of Lima. Wish me luck!