*This was originally written several years ago, and for some reason never published. Better late, than never!
Traffic (travel) in Haiti is a mixture of anything you have EVER seen or experienced in the US, multiplied and amplified. Depending upon your point of view, an or how often you experience traffic in Haiti, it can be amusing, terrifying, comically, unbelievable, frustrating, confusing……..I think you get the picture.
There are basically 5 types of transportation in Haiti, feet, donkey, bicycle, moto and tap-tap.
Traffic rules…….now that’s where things get really interesting. Imagine your everyday commute or running errands with semi-controlled chaos.
* pedestrians NEVER have the right of way. Only exception is if your vehicle is completely stopped and someone walks in front of you.
* Who does have the right of way? Easy, the fastest moving and/or the biggest vehicle. Basically it seems like a big game of chicken most of the time.
* Which side of the road do You drive on? Again, this is an easy one. Both. Yes, both. Drivers are constantly weaving from one side to another, trying to follow the path with the least potholes. Often this includes crossing over into oncoming traffic, moving to along one shoulder or the other, driving down the center of the road (paved or not) and sometimes leaving the road completely to veer around some obstacle.
* Seat belts? What are those?
* Helmets for motorcycle riders? Sure, right, not required. If you see a helmet, its usually NOT on anyone’s head.
* Normal # of riders per motorcycle is 2. NOT. Did you know a moto can carry up to 6 people? I’ve seen it. Or, two grown men and 2 live baby goats. Mattresses, other types livestock or building supplies……if it can be balanced on two wheels, its acceptable.
* Maximum capacity of public transportation (motos) is not determined by number of seats. Only by how many bodies can be crammed into, loaded on top of or hang of the sides of Any vehicle.
*Rules for riding in the bed of a pick-up. If it had a bed, its packed full! That:s the rule!
*Normal lanes on the road….if you need one, create one.
It’s an adventure EVERYTIME you take to the road in Haiti. It’s never a short drive anywhere
And its not for the faint-of- heart!
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