Rules of the Road

In Argentina, there are two rules of the road. Number one, if you are a driver, don't hit anyone. Number two, if you're a pedestrian, don't get hit.

When it comes to pedestrians and cars, the right of way belongs to the one who doesn't lose their nerves. It's really just a game of chicken. If you hesitate, then the other person has the right of way.

Going for it.

Look closely. In the center, not to the left or right.

There's plenty of room for cars and pedestrians in BsAs.

Two-or three feet is considered a safe distance between car and pedestrian, and when possible cars should swing wide into the intersection and cut in front of any pedestrians who dare to step off the sidewalk and into the street.

 

Because of previous blog postings, I feel obliged to state the obvious - Argentinos drive like Italians.

Walk around at night and you'll see most taxis have only their parking lights on. Headlights are not required and are just a waste of electricity in big city Buenos Aires. Hop in one of those taxis and you will discover the seat belts are neatly tucked away presumably to protect the plastic-covered seats. I was in one taxi where the seat belt worked, so apparently there is no law against functional seat belts.

I imagine sometimes pedestrians fight back. And the battle-charred cars are left on the street to remind drivers of the consequences of failing to master the dance between car and pedestrian. In the land of the Tango, timing is everything.

When pedestrians revolt?

However, there is no time to dance on Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest road in the world with up to sixteen lanes of traffic. In the center is el Obelisco which towers 67 meters (220 feet) above la Plaza de la Republica. For a close up of the obelisk – run, don't walk, across La Avenida. And remember, sometimes an Obelisco is just an Obelisco no matter what else it may appear to be.

 

 

Wearing a helmet while on a motorcycle or scooter also appears to be optional – even if you have one. It is Argentina after all, and there is no sense burdening people with anything that might mess up their hair.

Yes officer, I have a helmet right here.

My favorite motorcycle scene was of a family of four. The five year old son was up front, dad was driving, and daughter was squeezed behind papa y mama who was holding on to the back to keep the family together. Unfortunately they were moving too fast and I was not able to whip out my camera to capture a photo.

If you visit Argentina, regardless of your sense of rhythm or your musical preferences, there is one guarantee - you will learn the Traffic Tango.