The Real “Rules of the Road”…
Avoid manhole covers and the like, regardless of whether you find them on the road or sidewalk. The Russian government infrastructure is on shaky ground and they haven't put a lid on this perennial problem. Don’t expect that there is a cover and if there is one, don’t expect it to be stable or intact enough to hold a person’s weight. This is why Russians avoid them whether they are walking or driving.
While walking on the sidewalk, avoid the rutted icy areas near building that are indicative of being below lines of icicles. These pointy daggers of death are a day-to-day hazard for Russian people. In the Soviet times people would regularly removed them from buildings and the like. Now, no one cares, so now they are a growing “death by…” category.
In Western countries, we are used to thinking of pedestrians having the right-of-way on roads. In Russia, in practice, vehicles have the right-of-way on the streets. As a pedestrian, don’t expect vehicles to stay stopped at intersections because you are late in crossing. Russians drivers refer to such mis-guided or unfortunate people as “chickens on the road.” Any time one steps off the curve, they are potential chickens on the road waiting for a mishaps with a Russian driver.
It is not that Russian drivers look to run down chickens on the road. It just happens from time to time. If you must cross a busy street without the aid of traffic lights, meter a consistent pace with no sudden stops or bursts of speed. Russian drivers will assume that your pace will be consistent in order to plan a course to avoid you. Any break in your pace and you will risk being hit. This is especially true when the roads are wet or icy (which is most of the time) since it is more difficult for a vehicle to change speed and direction in such conditions. Don’t slip and fall while crossing a busy street, I can be fatal!
Driving in Russia is not as bad as in China. There are rules in Russia, however it is just that not many will follow them. In traffic, vehicles will drive at extended lengths in opposing lanes to get past slow or stopped traffic. This is something to bear in mind for unwary pedestrians.
Most Russian drivers know the general areas where there are speed traps. Many Russian drivers will signal other drivers in the oncoming direction of these by flashing their headlights.
If the police suspect that the vehicle you are in is violating some law, they will motion the vehicle over with a white reflective wand. If it appears that a ticket for an infraction is imminent, it is often best to remember that the police are sorely under paid. Remembrance of this fact requires careful tact that is best handled by another Russians that are familiar with this type of transaction.
It is mandatory for the driver and front passenger to wear seatbelts. That is why seatbelts in most cars looks brand new. Most Russians only use them when they see the police nearby. Rear passengers are not required to wear seatbelts at all.
You may notice that cars will turn their engines off at intersections. This has two effects. First, is to save on the cost of benzene (gas). It is not that benzene is so expensive in world cost terms; it is that Russians don’t make a lot of money. The second effect is that sometimes the cars won’t startup again and can causes traffic problems.
More...
- Moscowia.info - Street Crossing Survival Guide (added 8/08)
- Russian Driving (clip) (Don't pick this driver to get you to the airport.)
- Tunnel Driving (clip) ( Not having oncoming lanes to swerving into...)
- Average Country Road (clip) in Russia (really!).
Ronin
Last edited on Monday August 25th, 2008 08:27 pm by ronin1
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