Driving in Morocco

Drivers here in Morocco are the same as in Canada. Some go really fast, some are impatient, some honk there horns, and give you looks when you do something wrong. Generally they are pretty good, they tend to go at a slower place, and they have definitely learned to share the road, unlike us selfish North Americans who generally think they own the road and everyone else should get out of their way.

Here are some uneducated observations of the driving rules in Morocco.

1. If there is a space and you get there first, it is yours. (and everyone excepts that)
2. If you turn left, you pull over to the right, they actually have lanes, then turn left when it is safe. (not all the time but it happens)
3. There are no real passing lanes, but every lane, or inch of space is a passing lane. Sometimes two pass you at a time. Sometimes they pass on the right.
4. Traffic circles go on right of way. There are two kinds, and you better figure out which is which because the yield rules are different.
5. Traffic lights are on the near side of the intersection. Moroccan who arrive first at a red light pull up past the light to wait for the green. But they can't see itm which is okay because everyone behind them will honk when it is green, and then you know when to go.
6. Scooters are everywhere, along with a few motorcycles and they have to keep to the right, except when coming to a stop, then they can weave their way to the front, threw the cars.
7. Crossing the street, road, highways and byways or freeway is at your own risk. Cars do not stop. so it becomes a game of Frogger. Try it sometime and see what happens.
8. Red lights are sometimes optional when the roads are not busy.
9. Seat belts are the law, but nobody really cares.
10. There are policemen on every major intersection, hanging out, directing traffic and pulling people over if the break a rule. I am told to just speak English fast and look confused and they will just wave you on. It would not even be an act for me, so I think I will try it if and when I get pulled over.

It is much more relaxing to drive here. People seem to be fairly gracious when driving. The rule of first come first serve, seems to prevent the road rage that is all to common in our North American world. I quite like it.