Driving in Puerto Rico

jenbradshaw wrote:

It can get pretty crazy around here!

We've been pulled over for speeding a couple of times so I don't totally agree with not following the speed limit. We've also been pulled over for no seat belt. I've heard of friends who have gotten pulled over for using a cell phone while driving as well.

I would say the most important thing to remember is to pay attention at all times, ignore the phone or requests from the kids in the back, and just drive. Anything can happen at any minute. I do love that, on the west side of the island, anyone will let you into traffic at any time. Don't expect the same courtesy in the metro area.

I was laughing so hard reading the above posts. We've seen it all!

Sorry we did not meant for you to break the rules, we meant what you will observe while driving and we were being sarcastic. Don't get a ticket.

Your area seems to have a lot more police than most other areas, that is why they can get away with breaking all those rules or you stick out like a sore thumb and cops find you sweet.
BTW Trekridder is very funny!!!!!

suzanne12345 wrote:

I was driving very slowly through Pinones this summer

Pinones is a great place to go, there are a lot of very shallow pools for kids to play in and a lot of "Fresh Frituras". However I recommend a heavy hand with the mosquito spray, I was there a few days ago and I left with about 12 bites that I did not feel until much later when they started to itch.

BABY J wrote:

My biggest grief is "slower traffic keep right" doesn't exist in PR. It doesn't matter how much close you tail them or wiggle in your lane - or flash the headlights. They simply won't let speed up or slow down to facilitate faster traffic in the left lane.

I also seem to notice that there are lots of BUSTED broken down cars rolling around during the week with door dings and dents. I see why the locals leave their nicer car at home because it really seems to be a destruction derby - especially Fajardo / 60 Kioskos areas.

I've also personally seen motorcycles hit cars side-view mirrors as they split the lanes and keep going. LOL. Good stuff.

Those motorcycles have the risk of the two cars on its side getting closer together and getting pinched in between.

As to scrapes, dings and general car damage, most people only get collision insurance which they get when they pay their car taxes for about 35 dollars or so. It only covers the other guy, so a lot of repairs don't get done. As I said previously, the only cars without damage, just came out off the show room or just arrived in the island. Minor accidents are very common.

Slow traffic on the left .... first they have to look at the rear view mirror which is something they forget to do a lot. Next they have to care if you are there or not. They figure there are two lanes, so you can pass them on the right.

While they are slow, are you sure you are not going too fast? The speed sign is in kilometers and the biggest dial in your car is in miles, so they may be going at the speed limit, but you may be measuring based on the miles per hours. Cops love new comers as a source of income, we use the miles speed dial not the Kilometer scale.

But you are right some are going below the speed limit on the left lane so it is not always you. If they are just going a short distance they tend to drive slow, if they are talking they tend to drive slow and if they are blasting their music they tend to drive fast.

Johnnyhulk wrote:

What I'm trying to figure out is the people here seem to be very friendly and generally very accommodating except when driving ? Why people drive the way they do anywhere is either because of rudeness or ignorance so I just don't get it ????  😀😀😀😀😀😀 I've just leaned to accept it for what it is!!!

Not everyone is friendly or cares about the needs of others, that is true everywhere in the world. But everywhere I been, the nicest people become Jerks when they drive. Specially in Germany and they have zero patience with others when they drive.
Example: It is raining hard and people with and without umbrellas want to cross the street, they are getting soak and their packages are falling apart, but nobody will let them cross, those in the cars are nice and dry and can always speed up after letting you cross to regain lost time, but they don't.

mlb03 wrote:

I am actually pretty sure the speed limit sign is in MPH not kilometers.

I stand corrected, speed signs are in Miles per Hour, but distance is in Kilometers. Weird.
Here is a site about the rules of driving in PR, I found it entretaining.
http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/drivi … erto-rico/

Read the comments after the article!!!!!!

Marion-Olga wrote:

I feel you, lol!

Did you ever drive in Germany? That is relaxing! 

I drove in Germany and those extremely friendly Germans became Devils behind the wheel, specially in the autobahn.
Major road rage on their part.