Now that we're coming up on living in PR for 1 ½ years, I thought I might share some general observations about driving here (San Juan area). I grew up and learned how to drive in the NYC Metro area, so I thought I've seen my fair share of craziness on the road.
I pretty much see one or more of these on a daily basis:
*If you dont like the posted speed limit, feel free to adjust it accordingly. Want to go 25mph in a 50mph zone? No problem. Want to do 50 in a 25? Rock on. Standard procedure for cab drivers.
*If your exit is coming up, move all the way over to the furthest left lane. Then, when you are right up on your exit, immediately cut across all available lanes and make your exit. (Cant tell you how many times I've seen this). And, if you miss your exit, dont worry. Just put it in reverse and back up to your exit.
*If your red light is taking too long, just go through it. If there's a cop behind you, dont worry they'll either do nothing at all or take your advice and do the same thing.
*Need to use your computer while driving? Your steering wheel makes a lovely laptop desk.
*If the lanes are too narrow, simply take up a couple or migrate back and forth between them.
*If you see a friend up ahead, just stop in your lane and have a chat. Pay no attention to the line forming behind you. (Happens all the time in OSJ, Condado, & Isla Verde)
*If all the cars ahead of you seem to be swerving, be prepared to do the same. They're probably just avoiding the monstrous potholes that never seem to get filled.
*If you get tired of driving, simply come to a complete stop (preferably in the middle lane of a busy highway) and switch drivers.
*For heaven's sake, do not use your turn signal! Or, if you must, dab a bit of glue into the indicator so it stays on permanently.
In all seriousness, when we moved here, several of our friends (native Puerto Ricans) gave us some really helpful advice:
*If you're first in line at a red light, don't be so quick to go. There maybe one, or two, or six cars going through the opposite red light.
*Be careful with your horn. There have been several violent encounters with drivers honking their horns.
Anybody else have other interesting experiences?