Driving safely in Mauritius?

coolinny

Active member

Member since 30 August 2017

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

coolinny

13 May 2022 04:15:10

coolinny

13 May 2022 04:15:10

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

I've been living in Mauritius for 6 months now and I'm happy with the situation for the most part.

Mauritians are friendly to me, and I am learning new cultural differences every day.

But there are still difficulties that cannot be overcome.

That's driving in Mauritius.

I have been driving in various countries such as Korea, Japan, South Africa, and Germany, as well as Cambodia and Thailand, etc..

Driving in Mauritius is a different wall and another level for me.

In the evening after driving, I have pain all over my body, and I want to walk whenever possible, but that is impossible. On holidays, I don't want to see anyone, I just want to stay at home - because I don't want to drive!

First of all, let me tell you, I'm not driving as rough as the Mauritians, I'm driving slowly and carefully.

I'm not complaining about the traffic jams in Mauritius.

I just want to survive here.

If you have any tips you overcame, please share them.

I'm having a hard time with the following situation.

1. When turning right or left at a T-shaped intersection, cars are rushing fast and scary from both sides, but sometimes it's hard to explain to people in other countries. There's always a blind spot at the T-junction in Mauritius. I stick my head forward and watch both sides carefully. but sometimes I can't see the cars coming! Cars don't slow down even when they see me.

2. Some roads are narrow for two cars to pass by on either side, but a car coming from the opposite side is driving in the middle of the road, and it doesn't slow down even when it sees me on the other side. In this case, I usually pull over my car by the side of the road.

3. In Rotary, it is usually believed that the car that arrives first has priority, but the cars come pouring in out of order from various entrances.

4. When driving on a road I don't know, if I lower it to 60 km or less, the car behind me comes closer as if it would hit my car. I'm scared

5. There are other circumstances.

Again, I just want to take the stress out of driving in Mauritius. Thanks for sharing your tips.

Katrienlombard

Member

Member since 20 December 2021

Katrienlombard

13 May 2022 06:24:26

Katrienlombard

13 May 2022 06:24:26

Seems like the problem is your own nerves. Stop being over cautious and go with the flow.

We are from South Africa and the driving here is really not worse than there.

By being as over cautious as you explain I think you are actually causing the problems you encounter.

Relax and fall in with the rhythm of the traffic instead of holding it up.

If all else fails take a bus. It is safe, on time and cheap as chips

samhazin

Member

Member since 21 April 2021

samhazin

13 May 2022 07:15:35

samhazin

13 May 2022 07:15:35

@coolinny if you have pain in your body while driving then see a doctor or get a new car seat. Remember being in Africa driving standards are different to Europe and the UK. I'd say get a motorcycle but the Mauritians seem to think that you need to ride at the side of the road on a bike.

Buses are an option but you'll take your life in your hands as they pelt along the road swerving dangerously and brake hard - they have to be on time or the driver gets a penalty.

Good luck in conquering your driving demons!

GuestPoster510

13 May 2022 08:20:05

GuestPoster510

13 May 2022 08:20:05

Seem's like you are overthinking all this way too much.

I drove in Europe, SA, the Philipinnes...

And I do not agree that Mauritian driving is bad.

Sure some rules a differents, there are always some idiots on the road, but generaly, I find people to drive quite slowly and to be courteous on the road. The only dangerous thing is that they'd stop everywhere, but again, don't drive fast and you're fine.

If someone ever try to drive 2meters behind me, I just hit the brake pedal (not braking, just activate the light). Trust me they back down.

prafulkumar

New member

Member since 25 January 2022

prafulkumar

13 May 2022 11:11:39

prafulkumar

13 May 2022 11:11:39

@coolinny As I am a driver as my full time job in UK for over 40 years last holiday in Mauritius was in 2019 I hired a car for 2 weeks without no problem what soever I enjoyed very well You know we drive and follow as per highway code in UK . You may find drivers in Mauritius different rhan UK but you have tu adjust according to the flow . I enjoyed good luck and happy driving to you.

coolinny

Active member

Member since 30 August 2017

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:17:20

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:17:20

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

Thanks for the advice. It doesn't feel this way when driving north and west, only in Port louis and the center, QB, Curepipe, etc..

coolinny

Active member

Member since 30 August 2017

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:18:29

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:18:29

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

@Katrienlombard Thanks for your comments. Where are you from in South Africa? I was fine driving in CapeTown, but very hard in Johannesburg.

coolinny

Active member

Member since 30 August 2017

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:19:28

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:19:28

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

@jex2 How was driving in Manila, Philippines? How does it compare to Mauritius? I had a hard time driving in Manila.

coolinny

Active member

Member since 30 August 2017

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:20:44

coolinny

13 May 2022 13:20:44

Rose Hill, Plaines Wilhems

I was in a car accident 2 months ago by a car coming from behind.

GuestPoster510

13 May 2022 14:06:14

GuestPoster510

13 May 2022 14:06:14

#10

@coolinny Driving in Manila is the worst thing ever. Now that's dangerous.

APZmA

New member

Member since 14 May 2022

APZmA

14 May 2022 15:35:34

APZmA

14 May 2022 15:35:34

#11

@coolinny

You obviously haven't been around other countries and observe their driving.

Mauritius have one of the best disciplined drivers compared to some other countries

More police on the road than some countries

I suggest you get yourself checked up for your pain or change your car.

Like others have already mentioned that you are over cautious, then try taking some driving lessons to improve your confidence and please stop blaming Mauritius drivers whilst you are only too glad to stay in Mauritius with the comfort that this country offer to you

***

Moderated by Cheryl last year
Reason : Rude
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

Cheryl

Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

Port Louis, Port Louis

Cheryl

17 May 2022 06:46:56

10713

Cheryl

17 May 2022 06:46:56

#12

10713

Port Louis, Port Louis

Hello everyone,

Please note that some inappopriate posts have been removed from this thread.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

GuestPoster510

17 May 2022 07:00:13

GuestPoster510

17 May 2022 07:00:13

#13

@Cheryl Sure, delete my comment where I was calling out ApZ for being rude and where I was comparing Mauritius to other countries, but leave his.

Nice moderating

AstroGolf

Member

Member since 01 November 2021

AstroGolf

15 June 2022 15:43:09

AstroGolf

15 June 2022 15:43:09

#14

I can give you a Contact I used, send me a private message

shammikapoor

Active member

Member since 25 June 2021

Quatre Bornes, Plaines Wilhems

shammikapoor

15 June 2022 16:52:07

shammikapoor

15 June 2022 16:52:07

#15

Quatre Bornes, Plaines Wilhems

@Sindandsand Call Mr. Bhavin ***. You can give my reference (Shammi). Mr. Bhavin can help you.

Moderated by Cheryl last year
Reason : Kindly exchange professional's contact details by using the private messaging system please.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct

Sindandsand

New member

Member since 10 August 2016

Sindandsand

15 June 2022 21:00:32

Sindandsand

15 June 2022 21:00:32

#16

@AstroGolf Thanks, I have

Sindandsand

New member

Member since 10 August 2016

Sindandsand

15 June 2022 21:00:59

Sindandsand

15 June 2022 21:00:59

#17

@shammikapoor Thanks, I'll get in touch

Wandlewed

Contributor

Member since 12 June 2011

London

Wandlewed

16 June 2022 14:52:46

137

Wandlewed

16 June 2022 14:52:46

#18

137

London

I saw a driving instructor yesterday, giving a lesson, with one hand on the steering wheel "helping" the student turn onto a main road and his other hand on the phone while holding a conversation. That says it all.

Because there are worse places to drive in the world doesn't make the poor driving standards here acceptable.

Every single day I see multiple cases of poor and dangerous driving. Cars at traffic lights trying to cut across oncoming cars when they do not have the right of way (observe how many cars have dented side panels as a result).

Cars overtaking a vehicle when they cannot see what is coming on the other side. I find this mind blowing.

Cars overtaking on inside lanes and zig-zagging through lanes on the motorway.

Speeding. Tailgating ( I do find braking suddenly can get them to back off but one shouldn't have to do so).

I find it difficult to comprehend why someone would put their lives, their loved ones and complete strangers at risk for a few seconds gained.

How many times has someone raced to overtake you, only for you to catch up at the next set of traffic lights?

I put my thumbs up and say well done. Burning expensive fuel for nothing. Genius!

It is correct that hesitancy can result in some of these reactions from other drivers but it doesn't excuse clearly dangerous driving.

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