Here’s some brief reflections on driving in Moldova. Chaos within parameters is the best I can come up with. We’ve been here nearly 5 months now and I have been on the road a lot. First thing noticed is speeding is widespread. Second thing, cutting each other off and horn blowing is the order of the day. Happens everywhere. Third thing, the majority of the roads are one step above an unpaved dirt road. Half the dirt roads are smoother to drive on. Most roads do not have lines painted on to separate lanes. It’s a make it up as you go road lanes here.

Police seldom chase a car for a moving violation. Instead, they stand by the road with their flashlight baton. They point at you and then to the curb. Everyone stops when flagged down. Usually it’s just to check your license and registration and to work you for a bribe. The police do not need a reason to pull you over. They recently have been pulling people over to check tires. You can be fined for nearly any violation and it usually costs you driving points. Bribery is commonplace. The system is strange but it has it’s advantages. Bribes are more close to a tip than a bribe. They are only after a couple of dollars usually.

Police really come down on you hard for doing dangerous things. At crosswalks, people truly have the right of way. People will walk right out in front of a fast moving traffic and know if you don’t stop, you will be liable. People outside of crosswalks appear to be fair game in the law’s eyes.

When an accident occurs, the cars are not to be moved until the police come and take careful measurements of where the cars stopped.

There are few stop signs. At least ones that people actually obey. Mostly yield signs. Street mane signs are on buildings (maybe) instead of on a pole on the corner. Many round-a-bouts here. Traffic signals have a yellow light between the red light to the green sequence. No turning on red allowed. You will see several broken down vehicles on the roadside at any given day. Most people repair their own cars wherever they break.

People will also argue with the police. It often makes a difference who you know as well. Lots of people make phone calls when they get pulled over.

Parking is a complete disaster due to lack of space. People park on sidewalks, often with tail of car sticking out in the street. Police won’t usually bother giving you a parking ticket. Instead they will take your license plates and you have to bribe them to get them back.

Fender benders are quite common but serious accidents do not appear to be frequent. It is very difficult to keep track of who is in your mirrors. Keep concentrating to what is going on in front of you or you will be sorry. Elderly people do not do well driving here. Driving school cars are everywhere and you can bribe your way through to get your license. An American license is valid here. A license plate stays with the car when you sell it. Sometimes you will see license plates on the back of horse drawn carts. These are merely there for high quality, inexpensive safety reflectors.

Remember when you are here, wear your seat belt. It will give them one less reason to pull you over and may keep you alive.

The best part of driving here is it teaches one how to better pray.

Lord, please keep everyone safe. Amen.

Don

The following video is long but it has a lot of driving in it along with other things.

 

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