I had a near-death experience a few days ago. On the road. In a taxi. No, don't stereotype by assuming this was in India or Thailand or Vietnam. In Singapore. I'll begin at the end.
Nearing the end of a journey in a taxi, the taxi driver grumbles that Singapore has too many cars on the road and traffic is getting bad. Even though cars are much more expensive than elsewhere in the world.
Driver: Singaporeans don't care. They just buy.
I don't disagree.
Then, as an afterthought: "Do you have a car?"
Me: No.
Driver (surprised): Why? You don't want?
Me: I ride a motorbike.
Driver (aghast): Oh, you should be careful! Not because bikes are unsafe but because drivers in Singapore aren't very good.
Me (thinking): Tell me about it.
Me (aloud): Um-hm.
Driver continues his discourse on the topic.
Me: I do ride carefully. I prefer bikes because they're quicker, cheaper, better for the environment, easier to maintain, more fun...
The conversation ended soon after when he dropped me off.
And my near-death experience? This chap earlier whizzed along merrily at 150 km/h, driving one-handed, weaving in and out of traffic across several lanes without signalling. The speed limit was 90 and dropped to 80 in sections. And he's telling me about Singaporean drivers not being very good. I hadn't even told him that I needed to get home a hurry.
Where are the traffic police and what are they up to?
A funnier but just as illuminating incident occurred a few years ago when I was in a taxi heading to driving school. The driver wanted to know if I was getting a car driving licence. When I said motorbike, he cautioned me just as Mr Near Death did but then added, "Son, get your licence, have fun, but watch out for the taxis!"
Now, that's honest advice :-)
You're more fortunate than the passenger in the cab driven by a road-raging maniac. Yes, I was at the receiving end.
Posted by: Anon3A2avedY | Feb 19, 2012 at 01:01 PM
Hmm? Don't understand. You were the passenger?
Posted by: Murli Ravi | Feb 20, 2012 at 10:29 AM