Bunch of lunatics on the road

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 6:00 am

Is the Summer sun getting to everyone? I have just experienced 24 hours of the worst driving I've seen in my long time here. Too many incidents to report but included young lads racing each other at 150 kph+ on the Girne bypass (in and out of traffic), being cut up on roundabouts (dangerously) twice, and watching a taxi driver overtake four cars just before a blind bend at top speed (pure luck he wasn't killed). This wasn't just bad driving, it was reckless and dangerous. No wonder the fatalities are so high here. Has everyone gone nuts!

come_on_aylin · Post by **come_on_aylin** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 6:47 am

A friend said to me that she avoids the road during Ramazan - so maybe it's down to that. Have to say every time we go out we take our lives in our hands, the driving standard is quite simply appalling.

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 6:51 am

The quote", keep death of the roads, drive on the pavement", certainly applies here. Thank God I don't drive here,(have a license)

Confused · Post by **Confused** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 7:12 am

I am now convinced there is 1 person taking the test for everybody else, and I have never met that 1 on the road. Just everybody else.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 8:31 am

I must admit that after surviving all this mayhem going on around me I did feel a bit shakey and unsafe. First time in ten years, but I'll get over it.

come_on_aylin · Post by **come_on_aylin** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 9:01 am

The most worrying thing is that if you are involved in an accident there is a good chance of it being your fault regardless of the circumstances. It happened to us and we were given the choice: pay a fine or go to court, we chose the former as we didn't fancy our chances in court and there were no witnesses to the accident. Be careful out there.

Mollie the cat · Post by **Mollie the cat** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 9:28 am

I had two very near misses yesterday on the main road from the golf club towards town. Madness overtaking on a blind bend, the other overtaking while I was approaching them, sheer lunacy!! No wonder the papers are full of deaths and serious injuries, when will they ever learn?

thornaby · Post by **thornaby** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 9:37 am

The Cypriots are nice, respectful and well mannered people.
But when they get behind the wheel of a car the standard of driving goes from bad to absolute lunacy.
Some of the worst examples of driving I have ever seen in my life.
They park on pedestrian crossings and the wavy lines either side of them.
They park on double yellow lines which they seem to think if they put their hazards on its o.k.
They overtake where only a lunatic would attempt to.
And, mobile phones well enough said.
There seems to be little or no policing.
No wonder there are so many accidents!

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 9:54 am

Double yellows lines - just two omelettes having a race here...

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 10:00 am

Obviously police have different rules, as they are on mobiles when driving and park on the zebra crossing outside the courts in Girne.Also forgot they don't have to wear seat belts!!

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 10:08 am

Owl Lady wrote:Obviously police have different rules, as they are on mobiles when driving and park on the zebra crossing outside the courts in Girne.Also forgot they don't have to wear seat belts!!

They are obliged to smoke whilst driving too!

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 10:51 am

Its a good job that all the British out here obey every rule of the road at all times, never smoke in the car, always wear a seat belt, never ever speed, always park in designated parking slots, never drive dangerously, never answer their mobiles when driving and of course never overtake anything unless there is totaly clear road to do it on!!! Just say a pig fly over the house with a fairy on its back - the fairy was wearing a seat belt so I guess thats ok - lol!

Drive defensive in any country and stay alive longer!!!!!

Its a better job that tourists in hire cars are all so perfect as well or there would be many more accidents caused by taxi drivers, oh to get back to the UK where the driving is perfect and nobody every breaks the law or gets into an accident!!!

paddywack · Post by **paddywack** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 11:30 am

All the years coming to NC could not face driving, when I moved to Ireland, another laidback country, was told it only applied until they got behind the wheel of a car, appears the same as in NC.

CatalkoyChris · Post by **CatalkoyChris** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 1:00 pm

I love driving in Cyprus, its so refreshing. The laws in the UK are draconian, not leaving any room for common sense. Its nice to relax and drive in a more instinctive manner.
I do agree you have to have your wits about you, especially in cities. But it feels more like a challenge to me. I think the speed cameras are a good idea to try to calm things down in certain areas.

Not sure whether everyone will agree with my sentiments but hey ho

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 2:19 pm

Chris, with you on most things there. Here people will wander across the road because once they have a foot on it - it is theirs by right, we forget that in UK the pedestrian has the right of way (rule 170), other drivers will actually slow down or stop to let you out of a side road here - wonderful! There are drawbacks and the Dolmus but nowhere is perfect! The road and the law are based around the UK Highway Code and no matter how long ago you passed your test, it is worth giving it a read now and again just to see if you break any Laws!!! Have a look when you have the time - https://www.gov.uk/highway-code

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 2:41 pm

In my original posting I did not mention ethnicity, although it may have seemed implied. We all take liberties here I suppose but my complaint was about life threatening recklessness and suicidal behaviour.

Hippocampus · Post by **Hippocampus** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 2:46 pm

Whenever there is a thread on this forum that is critical of a situation here, however justified, there is always somebody who staunchly defends the locals (Cypriot posters?). I drive extensively both here and in the UK, and yes, there is the occasional idiot in the UK who thinks he is a better driver than everyone else, but I can honestly say that generally the drivers there are predictable and sensible. Not so here, where, frankly, a trip to Girne can be like a go on the dodgems. I have frequently arrived back from a drive with my nerves in tatters too. And it never seems to be a Brit behind the wheel of a vehicle exhibiting downright dangerous driving.

Sorry, I am not racist, anti-Cyp, trying to take over the country etc., just being honest.

Hippocampus · Post by **Hippocampus** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 3:10 pm

In case I am misunderstood, I didn't mean to turn this debate into another Cyp versus Brit argument, simply trying to make the point that there is something very seriously amiss here with the driver training, law enforcement and mindset of those behind the wheel, and there really is no defence of this.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 3:21 pm

Hippo, you are, probably, quite correct in your summation of driving standards here as opposed to most European countries. My point is, how will posting here change anything? "Go with the flow." Expat wingeing will never, ever alter TC behaviour- it is their country, their mentality, their choice and we will not affect this. " Do not sweat the small stuff."

Mollie the cat · Post by **Mollie the cat** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 3:45 pm

I would hardly call it small stuff!! We are talking peoples lives at risk here, the carnage is appalling.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 3:46 pm

Until l0 years ago I would have agreed with Chris. It took some initial getting used to, but once I had adapted to a style of driving suitable for narrow badly made roads and small cars suitable for the roads I was happy to conform with a situation where most drivers (there are always some indiots everywhere) didnt believe that the car was king, werent always in a hurry ; didnt feel the need to show off their expensive cars or compete with other drivers; gave at awkward intersections etc. and (though they werent always as skilled as UK motorists) were prepared to meet and avoid obstacles. And made allowances for the fact that in particularly in and around villages it was part of local customs for pedestrians, children, dogs and cats, herds of sheep and goats - and even in a couple of cases a boy on a mule - to be wandering down the road, even people sitting outside their houses on the edge of the road, and that the motorist was supposed to avoid them! It was all part of the simpler,but much more relaxed and rich in interest way of life we had then.

Then the British invasion came, with their demands for large villas and swimming pools, roads to serve them and large inappropriate cars. Unfortunately the Cypriots were deluded into thinking this was an example to be copied and wanted big powerful cars too, without the experience (either individually or authorities) of coping with an environment where cars came first and foremost and heaven help the pedestrian, cyclist or rider who had to share the roads with them. And then came the motorcycle and mobile phone to compete the rot.

Now my lifestyle is impoverished . I used to love driving, but now I hate it and I cant go out a night because of the risk of being blinded by headlight of said inapproptiate vehicles. I am at risk from speeding vehcles even when my creaky joints allow me to take a short walk with a dog on a lead, cant even open my front door in winter without being drenched from spray from 4 x 4s feet from my house.

So yes, I am racist, I am anti the Brits who already HAVE taken over the country! And I expect to be accused of being a luddite and not accepting" progress": but I imho one should take a very hard look at what one is progressing from and to before embarking on it.

Owl Lady · Post by **Owl Lady** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 4:02 pm

Well said Ragged Robin
Tom Steel, can I ask (without starting WW3) why when there is any adverse comment on here, do you infer that we are "whinging or bleating", both your adjectives? From this and a posting on a different topic.

Hippocampus · Post by **Hippocampus** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 4:55 pm

Well said, Owl Lady. A problem shared is a problem halved. Sadly, this and other forums is the only voice that non Cyp people have. Why shouldn't people have a chance to air their sorrows. You don't have to read the threads if you don't want to.

Hippocampus · Post by **Hippocampus** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 4:58 pm

And, by the way Ragged Robin, who built and aggressively marketed those large villas? And imported the unnecessarily large vehicles?

Chrispyb · Post by **Chrispyb** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 5:45 pm

tomsteel wrote:Hippo, you are, probably, quite correct in your summation of driving standards here as opposed to most European countries. My point is, how will posting here change anything? "Go with the flow." Expat wingeing will never, ever alter TC behaviour- it is their country, their mentality, their choice and we will not affect this. " Do not sweat the small stuff."

"How will posting here change anything" Maybe this forum gets read by some of the people that it is talking about, its not expat wingeing, simply voicing their opinions, in a constructive way. You did the same on the BRS thread did you not, did you expect things to change when you had a good old winge about the establishment. Disagree with your its their country, their mentality. I would estimate that the majority of TC's were not born here, they moved here, from the UK and Turkey amongst others and you shouldn't paint them all with the same brush. If they don't know any better (and who is to say that the expat does) then its down to education.
Frontalman. I agree there are lunatics on the road, but there are everywhere, try driving in Dubai and you will find driving here is a breeze in comparison. Even worse in Ramadan where they see a tent on the edge of the road, and come 6pm or so, they just stop in the middle of the road and go to the tent for their food, don't give a hoot about their 4 x 4 blocking everyone else in. I suppose as long as you stay cautious and watch out for every one around and pre-empt their moves then you will be relatively safe. fingers crossed

chiangbill · Post by **chiangbill** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 7:01 pm

Well must say, after driving in India, this place is a hell of a lot better. Not very good though just better. But you do have to keep your wits about all the same. We have to mostly turn right to get on our site. With indicator on & arm out of the window they try to over take when we slow down to make the turn. Crazy.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 9:09 pm

Hippo: Message 23 : I agree it is good to share sorrow/problems etc. Who knows it might just faintly possibly produce a solution or influence someone who can do something about it! What offends some of us is the extent to which people who chose to live here use it to unfairly criticize the country they live in and its ethnic population.

Message 24. I am not quite sure what that has to do with it. Nobody was forced to buy the villas or vehicles! Anywhere in the world if there is a demand someone will be found to supply it, however unsuitable.

However, as far as I know (and that is limited) the builders of the Villas were mostly Cypriot but the developers and salespeople were of several races , including British and Cypriot. Again it is my impression that most of the British owned vehicles were bought (but not necessarily made) in Britain imported individually by the British rather than spend the money in the country they planned to live. in

Actually I never said Cypriots were perfect or didnt make mistakes. What most people dont realise, not having taken the trouble to find out, is what life was like in the TRNC pre 2004. It was like living in a time warp with progress is many areas frozen in l974 by the international embargo. Very few of the facilities (such as English papers and Supermarkets selling European goods) - that are now just not only take for granted but raise comlaints if not provided - were available. All but a few very rich, drove cheap, mostly second hand, saloons. Few new houses were built, but expats bought and renovated derelect properies But the upside for UK pensioners was it was peaceful, roads were mostly free of speeding vehicles, parking was easy and the majority of expats and locals were friendly and helpful and the pace of life less frantic. . The downside for the locals was poverty and no career opportunities for the young in particular. The Anan Plan, whatever else it did or didnt do , changed all that as peoplebecame aware of the existance of a beautiful , undeveloped country with sun and island coastline and low cost of living - and promptly grabbed at it without waiting to find out more and ruined it in the process. It is small wonder that the Cypriots took the opporunity to make moneyout of the oppportunities to develop a tourism and building industry. In my view they made a mistake - albeit an understandable one - and killed the goose that laid the golden eggs. It think that sad but understandable: what is harder to forgive is constant carping from those who took advantage of the situation and are imposing their preferred lifestyl on others. It is hardly suprising that among other things, the legal system and the policing inherited from the British via the then Republic of Cyprus failed to keep up with the changes to infrastructure and culture demanded by immigrants

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Wed 23 Jul 2014 9:41 pm

As a holiday visitor only (so far!), two weeks each time for the last three years, I (seriously!) don't find it much worse than here in the UK - just today I nearly had my tail ripped off by a fool who came onto the roundabout so fast that he nearly rolled his car as he went round..... I wasn't the only one on the roundabout, and others were lucky to have been missed.
I had been forewarned by my TC friend that driving in Cyprus is "not for the faint-hearted"; however, the first time I drove in Cyprus was also (due to mischance) was also the first time ever I had driven an automatic. Just taking (to me) normal care and awareness, I found no problems with other traffic - my major worry (terror!) was driving an auto - forty years+ of driving manuals means I'll stick with them!
In my neck of the woods, volume of traffic alone (any time of day) is usually equal to or worse than anything I've seen in even Girne or Lefkosa, so that may be why I find no real problem when I come to visit...?

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 12:27 am

Ragged Robin - agree with all your sentiments!
Have been back and forward to both sides since 1969 and have seen many changes - mostly not for the better but tourism has bad side effects throughout the world.
However settlers are a completely different problem !!

Art · Post by **Art** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 7:47 am

You only have to examine the annual death rate related to traffic accidents which are some of the highest in Europe to realise there is a serious problem on the Island.

While working in the UK I covered at least 25,000 miles per annum and can honestly say that in comparison the standard of driving in the TRNC is appalling .I do however accept the cultural difference but I'm at a loss to understand the attitude of the police who just appear to ignore those who are blatantly breaking the law especially in the villages.
Perhaps it's something to do with the fact that many of the village police officers are related to those breaking the law?

I drive on the principle that the local always have the "right of way" and so far it's worked for me but I have encouraged my family not to drive over here when visiting.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 8:01 am

Why try and defend poor driving as though that's some sort of local cultural imperative? Poor driving is killing a disproportionately large number of people often innocent other roads users.... I really find it difficult to side with those who use any opportunity to side with the poor driving in the name of fair-mindedness - it simply does not add up and it does the locals no favours... after all it's often their young who perish.

The standard of driving stems from poor instruction and poor enforcement of what are quite similar laws as are in force elsewhere in the world with much better accident rates.

I do enjoy driving here (given the ability to drive on largely uncluttered roads) it reminds me of my youth going out for a voyage of discovery just for the pleasure - but now cars are much faster and more powerful than those days but the driving skills have not kept up with it here - have they?

I am not anti-locals but I see or feel no need to somehow appreciate their poor driving or find it somehow 'engagingly Cypriot' - it is just piss-poor and often downright dangerous lacking, as is it often does, any logic or thought for other road users...

Yes of course there are exceptions but you can't cite those in defence of the indefensible without being self-deluding. I have spoken to plenty of TCs who think the standard of driving of their compatriots is very poor and blame the parents for buying powerful cars and almost encouraging the flouting of good driving habits. e.g. not wearing seatbelts, smoking, making phone calls etc etc as being acceptable when the death rates tell a different story.

If a lot of locals think driving skills are bad we are allowed to think so too - are we not?

Cyprus north and south has the worst death rate per capita in Europe for God's sake... don't try and defend in some vain attempt to score points with some 'pro-Cypriot' stance that makes light other's genuinely held concerns for the safety of all road users... It just makes you seem like a sycophantic numpty...

Or do we have to love all things Cypriot as if that excuses any transgressions? It really annoys me how some expats feel it necessary to take a pop at anyone who points out a fault in the way locals conduct themselves... Next you'll be telling us we should like the habit of chucking rubbish out of the car too!

You certainly do need to drive defensively but saying that does not excuse poor driving by others of any nationality - it might just keep you alive though!

Art · Post by **Art** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 8:36 am

Groucho,

As usual you make some very interesting points but what can we do about it.?

We can complain as much as we like but are powerless to change the habits of those who are reckless and those who constantly break the law.Its the responsibility of the government and the police to enforce the simple laws that apply to us all on the Island but I see little evidence of this .And as many have pointed out the police very often break the law so what chance does anyone have.?

Sad to say nothing has changed in 7 years since moving to Cyprus and many more young lives will lost while those in charge do little to implement the law.

squashmad · Post by **squashmad** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 8:56 am

I could not agree more with some of the comments re the standard, or lack of, driving over here and to drive defensively is the best plan of action in my book. Every week we are seeing reports of deaths on our roads or accidents where the driver states that he/she lost control of the car!

Education is the key and until the government tackle this head on it is never going to improve and that is from the basics of driving lessons and not just to the public, the police are not better in many cases.

Pedestrians also need to be made aware of the dangers of just sauntering across a busy road, on a blind bend in dark clothes so you don not see them until you almost run them over!

However, maybe some of you can do something, is there a 'Drive Safely or Road Safety' Campaign in the TRNC? If so, join it and help them or find some Cypriots that may well want to be a part of something as important as this and start something up.

JBA · Post by **JBA** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 9:24 am

While I don't try to excuse some of the driving here there are certainly many worse countries in the world. My first experience of driving abroad was Milan - it terrifed me.....and the Milanese were terrified to drive in Rome. God help you in most Arab countries if you are not an Arab and even note that in Saudi if you hire a taxi you are responsible for any accidents it might have as you caused it to be 'at that place at that time'.

Russia, Turkey, Iceland and the Philippines are pretty bad in my experience but the worst by far is Thailand. I saw a woman knocked down in Bangkok, another car drove over her, the next stopped and the occupants dragged her to the side of the road and then drove on.

The only country which in my experience has as good a standard as the UK is America but that is probably due to the enormous number of police everywhere. After those experiences driving here is not too bad and, if you are prepared to acknowledge local standards instead of demanding total adherence to the law, pretty relaxing.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 10:42 am

The only thing I agree with Grouch is parents buying powerful cars for their children without making sure they are capable of handling them. I think they are mostly mainland Turkish, but not local but this happens (and not just with cars, there are other expensive and dangerous toys) all over the world.

I am glad there are some drivers here who practice "defensive" driving, because I have had really bad experiences (including being forced to into a ditch when driving, and when walking in daylight in bright coloured clothes hit by a passing speeding motorist on a village street) by Brits driving aggressive cars aggressively. True there are some bad and inconsiderate Cypriot and Turkish drivers too, but if you live in a glass house dont throw stones!

I actually wonder about the standard of teaching driving (another area where the TRNC just hasnt had the opportunities of more fortunate countries). My suggestion in case anyone from the authorities is reading this) is use the power of television and run a series of televised driving lesssons. And do it in English as well - if you think you can find a way of making some of the patronising ******s acknowledge that they might have something to learn!

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 1:27 pm

In my total of 45 years of driving in most countries around the world I have had 4 traffic accident's! 1 in UK where the guy who drove into the back of me failed to notice me and the 6 other cars in front of me being stopped at a set of traffic lights! 3 others have been here in the past 14 years! 1 where I failed to drive off the road into a ditch and ended up hitting the side of a local driver who had come round a corner on my side of a the road, obviously my fault as she always took that corner that way and I was not supposed to be there. 2 by being hit in the rear by a water deliveryman in his transit because I did not move off fast enough and lastly by being clipped on the nearside rear by a taxi as I was turning right! All of these last 3 I put down as 50/50 accidents as in reality I could have avoided them all, I suppose. Since my advanced test in 1975 I have always driven defensively and more so following doing my HGV 1 thru 3 licence's but there is a limit to what any driver can be expected to do! I gave up motorcycling when my skills and courage started to fade, more defence! Now I feel like I should consider that my driving days are numbered and am saddened by this, in my late 60s I must be losing reaction times and neck mobility and all these factors need to be considered! Every Tuesday and Thursday I play sport in the Girne Sports Hall which is also host to the theory side of the National driving test, it is also where the major driving schools congregate in Girne to "teach" new drivers how to pass their test! If you want to understand why the driving standards are low here, let me suggest that you come down on those days and watch the antics of both students and instructors!!! For an even greater understanding watch some of the actual tests and time them - it seems that falling off a motorcycle is not a fail at all by the way!
The biggest problem here is that there is a lack of driving skill in both the teaching and in time following successful completion of the test! Bring out the green L plate to let other drivers know about inexperienced drivers, make the full test in two parts six months apart! Test the tester annually! All things that could but will not happen that would provide better education for drivers and therefore reduce the death on the roads! What is Turkish for "Be bright at night, wear something light"????

Dalartokat · Post by **Dalartokat** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 4:47 pm

Not sure if this Association still exists, maybe someone can do a bit of digging around to find out.

http://www.csodirectory-cyprus.eu/main-menu?id=196

Post by **Soner** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 5:08 pm

I've been driving for 30 years and have not had a single accident (better touch wood at this point - one minute...). Ok, done, yet I do agree that when over here I have learned that I need to drive defensively. In the eight weeks that I have been here I have had 3 near accidents but was able to avoid.

1) On seeing clear road ahead I decide to over-take a slow car - only to be approached by a car doing in excess of 100mph (appearing from nowhere due to excess speed) and hooting me as he approached as if I was in the wrong - managed to overtake slow car and get back in lane just in time.

2) Stopped to allow car in front to turn right on main road, car behind decides to overtake me on inside off the road, as 1st car turns I advance and car from behind now trying to cut in from my left hoots me as again I am in the wrong. Both break fast to avoid collision.

3) Driving to Girne from Catalkoy to Karaman road - at a modest 45 / 50 km per hour when 3 large jeeps parked outside a grocery stall facing it, decide to reverse out on to the main road all at the same time as I am passing, I steer to the oncoming traffic to avoid all three, as the front one manages to turn and drive off in front of me, I manage to avoid an oncoming car - I stop the car and force the cars behind me to stop - all I could do was throw my hands up in the air, shake my head and thank God there was no serious accident.

I agree, if a government official is reading this, then please ACT NOW - there are serious driving issues in the TRNC that need to be addressed - stricter driving lessons and even retaking of test for those that already have driving licenses.

Hippocampus · Post by **Hippocampus** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 5:41 pm

I think you are right, Soner, stricter driving lessons, both for the students and the instructors, is the answer. I have seen numerous driving errors made by students under instruction at the time, such as wrong lane at a roundabout, failure to signal at all at a roundabout etc. etc. Obviously the instructors know no better.

I once came across a couple who had learned to drive here, having lived previously in central London and never bothered before. They had six lessons, told then to take the test, during which the examiner had his feet up on the dashboard and nattered on his phone the whole time, and passed. They said that they were completely unprepared to drive albeit qualified to do so. They were middle aged and level-headed, just imagine a hot headed youngster with a fast car in the same situation. Lethal. I have also heard that many people over a certain age have never taken lessons or a test, as it wasn't deemed necessary when there were hardly any cars on the roads.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 6:32 pm

But who teaches the teachers? Surely this is another area where the TRNCs isolation has lead it to fall behind in developments in cars and thus driving techniques?

btw Quizz (but NOT off topic for Mods and Soner) Anyone know what is unique to the Island of Cyprus and the British Isles, Finland was the last country to share with them, and Turkey, Russia and Germany in particular dont?

Whataview · Post by **Whataview** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 7:00 pm

May I also add comment regarding the motorbikes that now use the Girne-Alscancak stretch of bypass as a race track on Friday/Saturday evenings. They scream past for hours on end and I lay listening waiting for the inevitable screech of brakes,the bang and sirens.
It's a tragic waste of life and endangers everyone around with a few causing reckless behaviour in cars, lorries and bikes. Going forward I personally feel the island would benefit with a serious crack down (laws implemented immediately), improved education and more stringent driving/bike tests put in place for all road users.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 8:09 pm

Oh dear this thread is going the same way as the doggie ones:

No one wants to see bad things happening (ie traffic accidents)

Most agree there is a problem

Hardly anyone is prepared to consider the reasons for the problem, let alone that they might not be doing something to contribute to the problem.

Everyone has a good moan about an incident they were involved in or witnessed*

Everyone knows what should be done about it.

No one ever suggests HOW it should be done, given lack of facilitities

No one suggest how the measures should be paid for, or admits to how they would feel if it came from their taxes or rates.

Ok just to get it out of my sytem, here's my moan:

A large "blind" van- ie one with no windows at all, so no rear view from the cab.. Followed by a motorbike approx 3 to 4 ft behind in the exact centre of rear of the van - ie in the blind spot of the vans wing mirrors and exactly where oncoming vehicles could not see him.

Would you believe I saw exactly the same thing in nearly the same place the next day. Only this time the motorbyke swung out suddenlywithout signalling and tried to overtake the van - only saved from distaster by the quick reactions of an oncoming car in the opposite lane.

puppylover · Post by **puppylover** » Thu 24 Jul 2014 9:32 pm

Hippocampus

Fame at last...we are the couple you are talking about

Just a slight correction....we had 10 lessons not 6, but I paid for a couple of extra lessons over and above as I believed I wasn't up to scratch with the only two manoeuvres that you are taught here as a learner (reverse round a corner and 3 point turn).

Having taken lessons and my test here I am in full agreement that the lessons and test are a joke and it is little wonder that there are not more deaths on the road, although there are too many as it is

Angiebaby · Post by **Angiebaby** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 5:18 am

My husband said that on the Saturday prior to the fly past many of the locals seemed to be in a state of of excitement we have also noticed at previous Bayrams the driving standard declines even further.
But also when we lived in the New York around holiday periods things seemed to go more crazy people rushing more and over excited. Holiday Fever.

Art · Post by **Art** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 5:50 am

I think the point is that we (expats) can only offer our advice and as previously mentioned are powerless to make significant changes-ie implementation of the law ,massive (safe driving)advertising campaign and a higher standard driving test with tuition.

When given the opportunity to help we are accused by some of being patronising but as clearly demonstrated by our ability to raise funds for all sorts of organisations we could make a big difference and maybe the accident levels over time would reduce.

A prime of example is the great work that 112 are doing by working together with the TRNC emergency service.

WotNoDeeds · Post by **WotNoDeeds** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 5:58 am

Maybe these dangerous driving morons should be forced to mop up the damage they cause and a hard hitting road safety campaign -**WARNING! GRAPHIC CONTENT**

http://youtu.be/a8QxZJZfU5Q

http://youtu.be/8Dmpv2QZsFw

http://youtu.be/H5EyOnccJLg

http://youtu.be/m58hGFUbICE

http://youtu.be/Gd3RBgp0CLU

http://youtu.be/6YEoYGArMas

Art · Post by **Art** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 6:38 am

Shocking scenes which the government should include in an advertising campaign.

Will they though?

muffin · Post by **muffin** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 8:13 am

In the UK as a part of my job I drove approx 1000 miles weekly - although quite a lot of it involved motorway driving. The standards of driving here are appalling. Nobody uses their indicators so it is all guesswork when they suddenly turn in front of you. People seem to be oblivious to the fact that vehicles may be emerging from right or left and drive at high speeds with their eyes firmly fixed forward. They overtake on blind bends. When driving on the small single track side roads these are usually treated as race tracks without regard for anyone else on the road. Most days you can see someone run a red traffic light. They all talk on their mobile phones while doing most of the above. So, yes, driving out here is definately not for the faint hearted!!!!

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 8:28 am

Ragged Robin wrote:
Hardly anyone is prepared to consider the reasons for the problem, let alone that they might not be doing something to contribute to the problem.

Everyone has a good moan about an incident they were involved in or witnessed*

Everyone knows what should be done about it.

No one ever suggests HOW it should be done, given lack of facilities.

Ragged Robin
1. Yes we are prepared to consider the reasons for the problem - in fact we know it's lack of proper training - as stated in several posts above... why would you consider those who drive sensibly and within the law as contributing to the problem?
2. It's not moaning - its true. It's very dismissive and frankly quite rude for you to call 'moaners' those who have genuine points to make and safety concerns to raise -after all we might just have a point
3. There are several suggestions not least of which is proper stringent driving tests that cost no more to run than the poor quality testing currently in practice. Why do you think it costs more to run good tests?
4. It's not lack of facilities it's pure nonsense to suggest that isolation/embargoes are the cause.

I find your line of argument without much merit - still trying to excuse the bad driving habits is no help no matter who perpetrates them - be it locals or visitors.

bigbadbob · Post by **bigbadbob** » Fri 25 Jul 2014 8:36 am

Well said, Groucho - Totally agree with your sensible and valid comments!

Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Join us