Although traffic rules are strictly observed in many areas of the world today, in many cultures, such as the busy one of Istanbul, Turkey, they are practically nonexistent. In the United States, turning left on red is unheard of. Someone who violates this law is either considered drunk or crazy and is very likely to incite the wrath of the drivers following behind. However, in Istanbul, a car passing an entire lane of traffic to turn left whenever the driver sees fit is a completely normal occurrence. Another major difference is the excessive use of the horn. In Istanbul the horn is basically used as a defensive and offensive weapon. In America, however, many cities charge fines for excessive horn-blowing.
The biggest reason behind these differences is simply the mindset of the drivers. Although Turkish culture is usually considerate and polite, once someone grips the steering wheel, it's the survival of the fittest. Sometimes it can be frightening and dangerous, but at other times, it can be quite thrilling and efficient. Because a driver's life is being threatened at almost every turn, people learn to drive defensively and watch out for themselves. While it is less stressful to handle a car in the States, often this lack of a defensive mindset sparks many accidents. Drivers in America expect everyone to follow the rules so it can be catastrophic when some lunatic doesn't. It is so hard sometimes to switch mindsets and view situations like this through the eyes of another culture, but by looking carefully, we might just find that one's own mindset is the one that makes the least sense after all.
The biggest reason behind these differences is simply the mindset of the drivers. Although Turkish culture is usually considerate and polite, once someone grips the steering wheel, it's the survival of the fittest. Sometimes it can be frightening and dangerous, but at other times, it can be quite thrilling and efficient. Because a driver's life is being threatened at almost every turn, people learn to drive defensively and watch out for themselves. While it is less stressful to handle a car in the States, often this lack of a defensive mindset sparks many accidents. Drivers in America expect everyone to follow the rules so it can be catastrophic when some lunatic doesn't. It is so hard sometimes to switch mindsets and view situations like this through the eyes of another culture, but by looking carefully, we might just find that one's own mindset is the one that makes the least sense after all.
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