Car rental

Car rental is the easy part, it is the driving of said car which presents the problem.

I consider myself to be a pretty competent driver, I have raced both motorcycles, and cars which improves reaction time, control, and the ability to foresee potential problems. It also teaches you to know your limits.

I have been driving in Ecuador for almost two years now, when asked to compare drivers here and in the US, well.... My normal response is a combination of demolition derby and Nascar. I have seen some scary situations as well as down right stupid actions.

For example;
1. A pick up truck loaded with furniture etc. six to eight feet above the bed of the truck, with nothing more than a guy sitting on top trying to hold it all together.
2. An entire family, grandma, small children, two babies etc. In the back of an uncovered truck. many of them standing up.
3. It is common for traffic to jump or anticipate the light and start across the intersection before the light is even green.
4. At night many drivers ignore the traffic lights altogether, speeding through the intersection.
5. Double or even triple turns are normal even when there is a clearly marked turn lane.
6. Many drivers have the habit of occupying two lanes at once.
7. At intersections while waiting to turn, it is common for a driver to pull into the intersection ahead of you, blocking traffic waiting to turn.
8. Drivers will pull up and turn a two lane street into a three lane street, even when turning. Trying to now funnel three or four cars onto a two lane street.
9. Drivers appear to believe that as long as you have your four way flashers/hazard lights on you can pretty much do as you like and everyone else will simply wait.
10. Taxi drivers appear to think that they alone own the road and all others are simply in their way.
11. Small children, freely roaming a car in motion.
12. Babies, and small children with no car seat, and on the lap of mom in the front seat!!!! (Cringe) Can you say human projectile?!... I'm sorry, but I cannot even begin to understand what a parent could be thinking to allow this....

These are a small collection of the things you can encounter while on the roads in Ecuador. On a good note, if you have a good navigation system you will have it a little easier. Many streets are either not marked or they have worn or been hanged in such a way that you cannot read them from the street. "Waze" is the best aide to date that I have found. If you don't have it get it, you can use it on foot as well. Garmin as big as they are do not cover even half of Quito streets accurately, and when you get out of the city forget it.

As far as road conditions go, think wagon train through the Grand Canyon. Simply put, many of the streets are terrible to drive on. Many areas have an irregular surface, which SHOULD prompt drivers to use caution, not so. I have seen with my own eyes holes deep enough to cover an entire wheel. I have come across cables of various type and usage stretched across the road, while still attached to the pole. Drivers simply go right over, this is dangerous for several reasons.
Many sewage drains do not have a cover. Several roads can and do become flooded when it rains. Informational signs painted on the roads are short and frequently ignored. Double and even triple parking can be found.

It is common to find a car parked on the opposite side of the street, within five feet of a corner facing opposing traffic. The use of those pretty colored lights on the corners of the car, not normal. It is not uncommon to find drivers with no lights at all driving in the middle of the night. It appears that it is more desired to have your car covered with colorful blinking flashing lights, than it is to have the factory lighting working.

What really kills me, is that even the buses, emergency, and police vehicles are some of the biggest offenders... I commonly see police vehicles drive down my street with one headlight, no brake lights, using no signals etc.

When you take into consideration all the hoops one must jump through to drive a car in EC. it is mind blowing that so many drivers simply cannot drive... All I can assume is that it is a cultural thing, Even though they attend classes and are tested, no one follows the rules. The problem which perpetuates this situation is that there seems to be very little enforcement anyway. As a guest in this country, I will simply keep my eyes open and my mouth shut.

My best advise on driving in EC, DON'T, but if you do be careful. Stay focused and BE READY for anything!! The minute you take your eyes off the other drivers it will be too late. As a pilot you learn to constantly, scan your instruments and your surrounding area. Even though there may not be another aircraft in sight, it is a very important learned habit, that you must master and use. As a driver in EC, the same vigilance is required.   

Assume nothing, prepare for the worst case scenario.

Let another drive, sit back and enjoy the sites.

GMC out..