Comments on: Driving in Lima, Peru

By: Nerves of Jello Over Here | The Poe Log

Nerves of Jello Over Here | The Poe Log — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:05:13 +0000

[…] worried that we should not be driving on the roads, particularly not out into the desert. I’m worried that my pigeon Spanish won’t be good enough […]

By: Hop Skip Jump Peru

Hop Skip Jump Peru — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:42:17 +0000

I am gearing up to get my Peruvian license and brave the wild and wicked streets of Lima. Wish me luck!

By: Giancarlo

Giancarlo — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:39:18 +0000

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…

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:38:26 +0000

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?

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:34:56 +0000

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.

By: Stuart Starrs

Stuart Starrs — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:29:06 +0000

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.

By: Diana

Diana — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:44:59 +0000

Yes, traffic in Lima is caotic… every driver gets stressed and angry when driving…
I hope that this situation will improve for better… :S

By: Rachel in Peru

Rachel in Peru — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:33:49 +0000

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.”

By: Miguel

Miguel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 04:13:34 +0000

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