Rules of the road

Someone told me that introducing traffic lights, stop signs and helmets in Cambodia has really messed up driving here. Before, drivers would look around and follow Cambodian laws of etiquette, giving right of way to older drivers. Nowadays, it is not that simple.

Intersections

From what I have seen, stop lights will stop traffic but stop signs appear to have no effect. So what do you do at an intersection?

First, do NOT slow or stop to give someone the right of way, they will become totally confused. It is just not done.

As you approach an intersection, be sure to honk your horn. No one really pays attention, but everyone does it.

Plunge in and cross by weaving through traffic going every direction. People will miss you and you will miss them, thanks to divine intervention.

Left turns

Cambodia has right-lane driving. In the US and Europe, as a driver, you stay in the right hand lane, continue to the middle of the intersection and wait for a break in traffic and turn left into the right hand lane. Simple, yes?

That is not the way it is done in Cambodia. Think of all driving here as riding a bicycle, no matter the size of the vehicle, from moto to dump truck.

To make a left hand turn, move into the oncoming lane on the far side. Yes, that is right; you are now going against traffic and have traffic coming at you. Don't worry; everyone here is used to that.

As you approach the turn, stay as close to the left hand curb as you can. Look to the left, down the street you are turning onto, for people who may be coming up the street and want to turn right. If there are vehicles headed your way, honk your horn and get closer to the curb.

When the coast is clear, make your turn, keeping close to the curb. You have half of the battle won. Now you must cross over to the right hand lane. Look over your right shoulder to see if there is anyone in the lane you want to go to. Look ahead to see if there is anyone coming at you. There will most likely be vehicles in both lanes. So just go. Don't worry, people will miss you, they don't want an accident any more than you.

The only thing you have to pray about is those drivers who are making cell phone calls while riding their motos, the three motos driving side by side while they talk, and the young girl who is waving to friends and not looking where she's going.

Whew, you made it!