Sherri's Musings on Driving in Ecuador

I've never been a fan of extreme sports, but I feel like I participate in one every day when I drive in Quito. Although there are clearly marked lanes on most streets, drivers interpret them as mere guidelines or suggestions and ignore them. The only people who use them are motorcyclists who believe this is their "lane" for driving between the lines of cars.

I've learned to drive with my hand near the horn so that I can tap it at any time. There appears to be NO rules, so you need a horn to remind people that you're there. Others use the horn to say things like "Watch out--I'm cutting you off." Or "I'm letting you know that I'm passing IN BETWEEN two cars, so move over." Or "I don't feel like waiting for this street light so I'm running it." One person recently said "you can't be in a car without a horn in Ecuador; it would be like getting in a car without breaks." They were absolutely right. The only driving rule seems to be that if I can get there before you (meaning in your lane whether there's room or not), I win.

Why do people drive so badly or aggressively? Many people don't take courses or take the actual driving test to get their license. Palancas (connections) and bribes go a long way here--who needs to pass a driving test when you can just buy your license? Also, many drivers are first-generation drivers since most of their parents couldn't afford a car. They don't have the benefit of learning by (good) examples.

When my mother visited us last year we gave her the front seat whenever we went anywhere. After the 2nd or 3rd day she said, "If you don't mind I'll sit in the back where I can't watch the traffic." I think for my next career I might give NASCAR a try!