Observations on Driving in Buenos Aires
Author:
admin
03 14th, 2010 in
sbbbs.com
edit
Actually I was surprised at how much milder it seemed than I had expected. One thing I did notice is that when our driver wanted to change lanes he would start to straddle the next lane (in a way giving notice to the others that he wanted to move into that lane) but at the same time, he wouldn't actually move in, unless the drivers in the new lane let him. If they continued to go straight, even if they were behind, our driver would continue driving straddled.
The upshot is that a 6 lane road could have 8 lanes of traffic in it... sort of.
I also noticed that when someone moved, say, to a lane to the right of his current lane, then he would move up confidently beside big motor vehicles like busses and trucks. That would be where you might need the confidence of your actions. It was only rare that there would be a "thread the needle" feel to the lane change.
Finally, it seems as though once committed, you cannot falter. No change of heart permitted.
As far as the highways go, I didn't feel it was any different from the Massachusetts drivers I deal with daily.
Oh, by the way, I mostly sat in the front with the driver, since my companions (husband, sister & her boyfriend) didn't speak Spanish. By sitting up front I could chat with the driver and hone my Spanish a teeny bit. So since I was up front I got a real feel for how the driving went.
Rita
Driving in Argentina is generally more dangerous than driving in the United States. By comparison, drivers in Argentina tend to be very aggressive, especially in the capital city of Buenos Aires, and frequently ignore traffic regulations. U.S. driver's licenses are valid in the capital and the province of Buenos Aires, but Argentine or international licenses are required to drive in the rest of the country. For further information, please contact the Argentine Automobile Club, Av. Libertador 1850, 1112 Capital Federal, telephone (011)(54)(11) 4802-6061, or contact the Embassy of Argentina as listed in the above section on Entry Requirements.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html). Visit the website of Argentina抯 national tourist office at www.turismo.gov.ar.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1130.html
On net, I minimize my driving in Buenos Aires (Capital Federal) far more than I do in Europe, but that's more for reasons related to the cheapness of cabs and my strong distaste looking for parking (even when free/cheap).
While I wouldn't generally suggest that people drive in Buenos Aires (more than they have to), that's mostly because cabs are cheap there and secondarily because it does take an adjustment for people who are mostly only truly comfortable driving in the US (and Canada) and don't have extensive international driving experience.
[For perspective about where I'm coming from: I'll drive anywhere in Europe (including say Greece) and am perfectly comfortable driving in very busy urban traffic conditions in the US but would generally do whatever I can to avoid driving in say Egypt, India or China.]
I think it's a matter of learned behavior. We in the US are so attached to our cars. You have to relinquish control even when you use a taxi.
Rita
You have no idea how hard it was for me to post that -- for just the reasons you are covering. :D (Well, it wasn't that hard, I just got lazy. :o )
Lesson: Not everything a government agency says is necessarily wholly accurate or complete. :D
John
Doesn't surprise me although in all my many times on Argentine roads I have never seen an accident and only once have I ever nearly been involved in one and that was when I had to waken up our taxi driver on the autopista going to EZE :eek:
On a recent trip to Cairo I lost count of the number of accidents I witnessed compared to there Argentine drivers are positively saintly;)
Rita
I was flying back and forth quite a lot to EZE in the immediate aftermath of the dedollarization debacle; back then people at home and elsewhere not familiar with Argentina were thinking it was "dangerous" because of the images on the TV and the stories in the paper. I had enjoyed my times there then too even while my sympathies were with those enduring the miseries then and the miseries that were to follow. Actually, that's when I started to most heavily recommend that people should visit there. And, not surprisingly, most that have visited there recommend it strongly.
That reminds me, the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel is hiking its price in Starwood Points in a couple of hours .... and awards will be nearly double in points if not redeemed now. ;)
I let my wife do the driving when we are over and that is in a small town, even as a native she quibbles at the thought of driving in BA not so much that she can't hold her own with the rest on the autopista but at the speed you have to go at, it's impossible to read the signposts!!! So we stick to taxis in BA ,far more enjoyable.
One observation of my mother in law's driving technique is that she just drives any way she wants and spends most of the time shouting "hijos da puta":D
R.
http://www.clarin.com/diario/2007/01/09/sociedad/s-03601.htm
For the fourth consecutive year, traffic deaths have increased. Speeding and alcohol are the principal causes. Forty four percent of victims were pedestrains.
John
But one thing my husband and I like to do is just drive and look. So, for example, if we were going to go to an estancia, it would be fun to drive out on our own... stopping where we saw fit, and finding little gems of experiences.
But the balance so far is still tipped toward using taxis, I would guess.
Rita
I can see Buenos Aires drivers changing habits rapidly, as the fines will also be sharply increased across the board.
I found Argentine taxi drivers more than willing to stop wherever you saw fit on long distance drives - they generally treat it, and price it, as their only fare of the day. Argentine driving, even in cities, isn't horrible, but they alternatives are so cheap why bother?
They are truly mad on the roads :D
Driving in EZE is not for the faint hearted, and for most visitors I strongly suggest to avoid getting behind the wheel.
Absolutely, and if you get to thinking about the dangers even in your home country, you might never leave your own home. Of course, then you could start to worry about burglers....
Rita
#If you have any other info about this subject , Please add it free.# |
