Taking this premise that, in the Chinese arena, the roadways are multi-functional public surfaces, it's easy to reckon the reckless disregard for traffic ordinances. Stop signs, traffic lanes, crosswalks, one-way streets and red curbings are not thought of as much more than lightly held conventions. Their significance to traffic control is normally ignored whenever it's convenient. When it rains, for instance. Or any time after midnight or on holidays. Or when you're in a hurry. Which, of course, is always.
Being in a hurry, why take the time to search for a parking space when you can stop your vehicle on the corner in the intersection or anywhere else there's space enough. Never mind the fire hydrant, the bus stop or the crosswalk. They're of no consequence to your convenience. Park two and three deep from the curbing without a moment's thought. Everyone else does. Why be the exception?
Being in a hurry, why should you be forced to go around the block to double park your BMW in front of the building on a one-way street when you can just drive against the flow of traffic to do so? Saves time. Saves gas. What's the big deal?
And being in a hurry, why should you have to wait at the traffic light when there is no cross traffic approaching? Or at least not quickly enough to suit your needs. Run the light, save gas and time. It's the logical thing to do.
Waiting at the intersection for the flood of vehicles to subside before making a left-hand turn? Why queue up in the turn lane? Crowd the intersection three or four abreast and force the on-coming traffic to slow and yield you room to squeeze around the corner. Sure, it complicates a simple procedure and obstructs the flow of traffic, but someone is bound to come out of the pandemonium ahead of the pack. It might as well be you.
Is your progress being impeded by the cloddish, unimaginative drivers ahead of you? Then pull out over the double yellow line into the thinly spread on-coming traffic and pass the whole lot of them in one go. It shows that you're a take-charge kind of guy who doesn't let the petty rules of engagement deter him from his battle plan and victory. Do this maneuver while on your cell phone for additional impact. If you'll pardon the pun.
Pedestrians in the cross-walk? Or on the side walk? (That's right; driving on the side-walk. It's not just an option, it is an obligation for the motorcyclist. That's where you typically park, chock-a-block, giving the walk ways the appearance of an immense auction yard for motorcycles and scooters.) A honk of the horn will set those insolent trampers scurrying so that you won't have to break your momentum. They'll move out of the way if they know what's good for them. They usually do. After all, if they were of any importance, they'd have a vehicle.
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