Who are the worst drivers on the island?

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:03

In my opinion the Dolmus drivers are the worst (as a rule, some are ok), then GC's, can give many examples. Followed by expats/holidaymakers then the Turks and TC's.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:06

Sounds to me you are trying to gain brownie points.

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:15

not at all Quarmby. A simple observation over the months. Twice this week I have nearly been forced off the road by a bus driver pulling out without indicating or looking if anyone is coming. Also this week a greek driver ran a red light making me do an emergency stop. A greek driver stopped at traffic lights on green to let a friend in then stopped just over the junction without indicating to let him out.



That is in one week. It is the same week on week.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:23

Without any doubt its young TC's or Turks. This is based on experience (speed mainly) and also the accident and fatality figures.



Is this not the same in most countries?



How do you know Lapta Mike that it was a Greek driver?

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:38

One minute its cruelty to animals and the next minute its young TC drivers.

Hello, excuse me, and why exactly do Insurers charge such high rates for under 25 in UK?



Never been to Istanbul but apparently they are as bad as the Italians. Unfortunately I have never been to Italy either. But I have a knack of learning from other peoples experiences.

When I have driven in TRNC, I have found nothing unusual in their driving.

Although I must admit that I used to drive my dads van and tractor when I was 12 in early 70s inside Lurucina and the surrounding lands. And I never killed no body, so lay off the youth will ya.

Goonerboy


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 723

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 08:32

Along that list I'd add the expats who love to go out, get drunk then decide they'll drive home...and more and more of us expats are now doing this

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 09:13

The worst drivers are everyone except you, the best drivers are bikers.

Scoty


Joined: 23/05/2010
Posts: 846

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 09:21

Msg 6 - are you admitting to being a drunk driver rather than driving after having a drink?

Markyboy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 09:25

I would say it depends on your perception of what a bad driver is??



I also think that you should adapt your driving skills to match the area you are driving in.



In my experience driving in the TRNC, most drivers are very corteous of each other to the extent that even if they have right of way, they will slow down and wave you out. I know we brits don't expect this and probably a lot curse when the driver in front slows for no other reason than to allow a fellow motorist out of a side junction.

I find that once you accept this behaviour and start adapting to it yourself...it all becomes easy and peaceful enough.

This would not happen in the UK and try to get somebody to let you in....yeah forget it, bumper to bumper, eyes fixed dead ahead with no hint of recognising that you are sat there, indicator on and trying to get out of a junction.



As for speeding youngsters....all countries are the same......UK included...Try India if you want to see driving dilemas.

CJtill


Joined: 02/05/2008
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 10:24

The worst drivers by far are from the Victor Silvester school of motoring. You know the type, slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.

Michael

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 10:29

TAXI DRIVERS

I would not use a taxi hre as the drivers are so bloody dangerous.

they obviously know that the sooner they drop one client off they can get another - so they drive like loonatics and take ridiculous risks with the lives of their passengers.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 10:54

Sorry, but I have to say the locals and in particular the taxi drivers are the worst on the road. Many appear to struggle to keep the car on the correct side of the white line but instead wander all over the place. However, this is probably due to them being distracted by the mobile phone permanently glued to their ear and trying to smoke a ciggie with the other hand. There is also a prediliction for parking in the most inconsiderate and dangerous of places e.g. on the edges of junctions, main roads in town etc. As long as the driver has the shortest possible walk to where they want to go, there is no consideration for the inconvenience or danger caused to fellow road users.



Regards



Paul

stevew


Joined: 07/04/2009
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 10:55

D---ck heads that drive with their fog lights on , ...just to be clear ,,, when its not foggy,,,

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 11:02

Thought I should mention that my comments at message 11 also apply to the GC's when driving in the South.



Maybe it is a Cypriot thing



Paul

johnerebus



Joined: 15/05/2009
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 11:09

When I was young -127 years ago - a friend's dad, a policeman, used to say, 'Treat all other road users as dangerous incompetent drivers.' Having been the innocent party in three road accidents, non my fault, here in the UK in the past six years his words hold true. But they can still get ya.

serks


Joined: 21/09/2010
Posts: 108

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 11:16

Taxi Drivers relly piss me off.. always are expedcted for you to give them way... but when it comes to them.. they dont even look twice..wankers..

parkview



Joined: 12/03/2009
Posts: 1123

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 11:30

Local women drivers - never give way - never say thank you when you let them out, and are so lazy they park anywhere - they would drive into a shop if they could! They are the 'worst' drivers



The most dangerous are the taxi drivers!

me-style


Joined: 03/08/2010
Posts: 150

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 13:26

In Turkey dolmus drivers are called scalphunters, this is with a reason!!!!

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 14:01

"OLD NAIL" DRIVERS!

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 14:26

I agree with Parkview, message 17. When I first moved here I used to think, how rude for not saying thank you, now years on I am glad they keep both hands on the wheel. I get annoyed when drivers slow down to 40 kph to go through 65 kph speed camera and then accelerate to 80 plus.

You can't actually blame the Cypriots for being bad drivers as they are not taught properly in the first place and the test is a joke.

nilmoney


Joined: 29/12/2008
Posts: 122

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 14:27

Women Drivers

Never give way in the Uk especialy on the school run.........

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 17:11

msg 21, that reminds me of another near accident this week. I was driving past the school at chucking out time and a woman on the school run nearly reversed into me because she didn't look where she was reversing to. Had to give her a good beep of the horn.

birdy



Joined: 21/07/2009
Posts: 154

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 19:42

Having driven fire engines for the past 30 years mostly in tottenham I think I have seen the worst driving ever but over here I think they drive OK for the conditions. the worst I think are old ex pats there the one's that should take a test they don't care about anyone as long as there OK.

Sayit


Joined: 15/10/2010
Posts: 47

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 20:16

Most drivers in Cyprus!!

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 02:29

Yet another idiotic posting from LM - get a life !!

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 05:56

I agree with most posts here, especially with those who agree with the minibus (dolmuş) drivers, whp wwould risk anything for 2 TL! What makes me really cheesed off ıs where the hell are our traffic police, or better stıll, what kind of a deck-head is allowing the imported TC drivers use these minibuses? I doubt very much if some of them have genuine driving licences!

There is no such thing as using signalss when moving off or stopping, nop signalling at a roundabout, allowing passengers to stand up when there is no seating (and no railing of any kind for them to hold), no stopping at a roundabout - even when there is another vehicle on it approaching, using a mobile whilst driving a public transport vehicle etc.

I thingk they are next followed by the show off ('sonradan görme's) who would drive a very expensive and powereful 4 w.d., a BMW or a sportscar doing 25 km/hr with a mobile stuck in one ear, blocking you whilst you are trying to get to work!

To top it up, af

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 06:03

To top it up what makes it worse is witnessing a policeman using his mobile whilst driving a police car! What? Witnessing on two occasions in one day, policemen glued to their mobiles whilst crusing in a police vehicle, and that was after being reported and paying 125 TL for using my mobile, waiting at the roundabout with the traffic at a standstill! It was an insult to injury!

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 10:10

If you try to drive properly yourself it at least gives you some chance of avoiding the dodgy situations which we all witness all too often. However, what really riles me is the increasing number of self centered and lazy who park their cars in the driveways between shops when the front car park is full which stop others from gaining acccess or exiting the overfill carpark at the rear. These numpties seem to be breeding like rabbits and are of course denying the shopkeepers business (that is the ones who do not park in the driveways themselves !)

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 10:21

Our very own ismet is certainly one to avoid on the road - http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/42764.asp

cyprusgiant


Joined: 08/07/2009
Posts: 467

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 18:19

I find that the most frustrating aspect is the way that locals park with no consideration for others. It seems that the main objective is to park as close to where you need to go irrespective of other vehicles.



On the road, just expect the unexpected during the day and you'll be OK



On an evening too many drivers (can't see who they are) drive too fast on the unlit main roads.

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 18:32

I think driving abroad in any country is strange, and this could be interpreted as dangerous. And yes TRNC is no exception!

I presume that is because we are all such brilliant drivers over here in the UK!!!!

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 18:50

i find the worst the boy racers with steros on wheels.They are all bad but I suppose they have only had posh cars for a few years.The way some park sideways on taking 3 or 4 places.Never indicate that you are going to turn right as some one fag in one hand mobile in other will overtake as you are about to make your turn. They wonder why the death rate is the highest per captia here. What is the requirement , ie how many lessons before taking a test and pass fail rate x

russler


Joined: 04/09/2009
Posts: 71

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 19:59

I have to agree with message 12 and 26 and I could give a lot more instances. I have lived abroad with my husband in quite a lot of foreign countries and have to say this is the worst. The drivers here have no idea of road safety, the drive with mobile phones glued to their ears, they drive with full beam and blind other drives, they let their children stand up in the front (ready to go through the screen), they pull out from side streets causing the person driving on the main road to break sharply.



I think that everybody is entitled to whatever car they choose but please they have to make sure that they can drive them.



I do not think that that for one minute that they realize that they have a murder weapon in their hands, the accident ratio and deaths here proves that.



BOTH THE GOVENMENT AND THE POLICE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH RATE ON THE ISLAND BECAUSE THEY ARE PUTTING THEIR HEADS IN THE SAND AND HOPING IT WILL GO AWAY.

JohnDownes


Joined: 03/12/2010
Posts: 123

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 11:51

I have driven in most of the countries of Europe, and also some in Africa, and I am absolutely positive that the standard of driving here in Cyprus is the worst I have ever encountered.

It is as if 30% of them are on Valium, and 40% on Speed. For every boy racer there is at least one old fool in a coma driving a piece of crap that should have been recycled 15 years ago. And the South side is nearly as bad.

Ridle


Joined: 01/01/2009
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 13:34

I find among the worst drivers are the ones who do not have their head lights adjusted properly, I suspect these cars have been brought from Turkey with their headlights set for driving on the right.



Everytime I go out at night I am blinded by these cars even when their lights are dipped, sometimes with only one headlight on. They are not happy blinding from the front but drive close behind sometimes on main beam.



And they have their fog lights on too. There should be checks on headlight adjustment as no one knows how many accidents this has caused.

Markyboy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 13:43

It could be worse......check this out!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjrEQaG5jPM

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 14:09

Now maybe its just me but in that youtube clip about driving in India I saw everyone give way to someone at sometime, I saw pedestrians wandering about without getting flattened, I never saw anybody "lose control" of their vehicle and never saw a single accident happen! So where was the bad driving? Everyone practised give and take they all drove according to the conditions of the road and traffic and nothing bad happened.



Maybe its the lack of traffic controls and speed cameras and police that just let the drivers carry on with their lives that made the difference - maybe its because they all practised "defensive driving" instead of "enraged driving" or maybe they are just lucky?



I often wonder how a Cypriot would view the driving standards in the UK because if they ever got into the wrong lane then they would be there forever - nobody would let them out and I feel sure that a quick trip round the North Circular at peak traffic time would make them book a flight home fast!

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 15:30

Markyboy, if flashing you means don't go in the TRNC, how does the other driver signal for you to go?

Funny I have never seen such act of kindness in TRNC or UK despite the fact that I practice it at all times.

Markyboy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 15:40

Yred....normally a wave of the hand and a nod of the head....however, that is only from drivers who are travelling slow enough to do so at the time. Like I said, everybody drives differently and you have to adapt. I've driven in Malta and been overtaken by a car on a bend and then that car has been overtaken as well...3 abreast on a narrow mountain road. That's what I call dangerous driving. I work in the middle east and driving in Qatar in rush hour is like wacky races. I've driven in many different countries and based on my own experiences, don't find TRNC to bad a place to drive. Ok, i've only visited the island 5 times for 4 weeks at a time but still, I have driven in a lot worse.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 17:27

Waddo. Millions upon millions of pounds have been spent improving the North Circular for over 40 years as it was at one time deemed to be the busiest road (vehicular movement per mile) anywhere in the world. Nuffinks changed then ?

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 17:44

DD, Would not say it is the busiest in the world - thought that was the section of the M4 between Reading and London - but for sure the last time I was on it, nothing had improved apart from the amount of traffic signs that tried to divert the driver away from it! North Circular was always best navigated on a motor cycle any time of the day or night, only once drove round it in a car, sadly I was towing a caravan at the time as well and its a journey I would never wish to repeat. My biggest horror was the one way system through Nottingham when I led a military convoy through it at 4AM one winters morning - never, ever, ever again! Or maybe it was just us that were going the wrong way down the one way system and being overtaken by others who were lost as well????



Driving is not bad here - you have all the time in the world and better to arrive at home 5 mins late than at the hospital early!!!

Markyboy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 17:47

Ok, that was the tame version of Indian driving....try this one.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRGfwyAMRTM&feature=related

spiros


Joined: 31/12/2010
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 18:30

Maybe yes,it be elko2,he have 15 ticket for speeding,spiros joke elko2

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 20:41

Markboy msg 42. That is completely disgusting. Put me off my dinner.

Markyboy



Joined: 05/06/2010
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 20:55

Sorry Mike :o/

Chegwin


Joined: 24/03/2009
Posts: 775

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 21:37

Most people are only ever taught how to pass a test.

Learning how to drive, unfortunately comes later, that is if the individual wants to learn how to drive.

Too late for some.

Chegs

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
17/01/2011 22:29

Straight after passing my driving test (1st time) at 17 I took extra lessons and then my advanced driving test. I still pretty much drive the same way today but experience is more important than a few extra lessons.



I've found here that the name of the game is to just adapt to the driving style of the people here. Helps a lot but when some GC's run red lights when even the TC's wouldn't (for example) it can be a bit hair raising. At least when TC's run a red light it tends to be when it's 'safe' to do so. Never seen one run a light when it's blatantly dangerous.



I'll tell you what wound me up the other day, my mother was in the car back seat driving, so was at end of my tether anyway, on two occasions I ended up behind drivers going along at about 20-30km/h, all over the road, phone glued to their ear.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 14:05

Defensive driving is the only way to go.

My old Dad said "Assume everyone else on the road is out to kill you".

hilda


Joined: 10/09/2009
Posts: 80

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 14:56

TRNC

What are you really saying,one should play bumping cars ?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 15:06

No.

Assume everyone waiting at a junction will pull-out in front of you.

Assume everyone driving in front of you is not paying attention and will stop suddenly.

Just because you have a green light don't asume you won't meet someone jumping their light.

DeaconB


Joined: 13/07/2010
Posts: 120

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 15:13

Like your dads advice Vaughan, never heard it put that way before, but it works for me in Cyprus.

muffin


Joined: 03/07/2010
Posts: 83

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 17:19

100% agree with TRNCVaughan. For most of my working life in UK drove 1000 miles plus weekly so have plenty of road experience. Driving here is dreadful - no one indicates, they jump traffic lights, overtake on the inside, tailgate if you are not doing their speed, drive out from side roads without looking and overtake without regard for any other road users. I could go on with this list but not much point as it won't improve the standard of driving. While we are on the subject the highways department could improve their signage on most roads which would also help.

hilda


Joined: 10/09/2009
Posts: 80

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 19:08

TRNCVaughn

Yes that makes sense,.

suzi1951


Joined: 14/02/2010
Posts: 191

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 21:01

Having just been on holiday in Bangkok and Koh Samui, I now think that TRNC drivers are positively excellent (well, thats a bit of an exaggeration, but I would not even attempt to drive in Bangkok)

Scoty


Joined: 23/05/2010
Posts: 846

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 21:39

Must admit - no problems here. Do as the locals do! Peep horn to pass, peep again after being passed, let the speedster pass by slowing down, no problem - except when trying the same parking style in a supermarket in UK last year - 'what is this chair sign thing I asked? disabled only ! Prejudice against real people! Where I stay, they will park in the shop way. Go back there I was told. And so I have and love it.Still agree, taxi drivers and ex - pats full of drink are a nightmare. Taxi drivers are at least sober when driving, where have you been tonight / recently and a drunken friend has driven you home???????Pot / kettle ??????????????????????????????

Blackbird



Joined: 11/08/2009
Posts: 1432

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 21:46

TRNCVaughn I agree, but I have an addition.

Assume that everyone wants to kill me!!!

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 21:52

I drive in a way that I think everyone else on the road is an idiot and will do something idiotic (so defensive driving) but I also drive offencivly at times when required. If you drive defensively all the time here the other drivers will take the urine. When driving on the offence I still do so with the utmost caution and with safety paramount.

Scoty


Joined: 23/05/2010
Posts: 846

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 21:53

The driving here is the driving here- end of story. How many ex-pats have local driving licenses? Did you pass a local test????

You got one for a price - if you dont like the standard of driving -

1. Get used to it if you stay here

2. Dont drive when you are here

3. please hope the police dont pull you over next time you are pissed

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 22:04

Scoty, if the test is anything like Egypt and I imagine it's not far different, if you can drive forward 100 yds and reverse a 100 yds without hitting anything you pass.

Scoty


Joined: 23/05/2010
Posts: 846

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 22:14

Msg 59 - Mike - Show some papers, photos, big load of cash - legal for up to 10 years. Have you driven here? NO! Do you have a car here ???????

Are you a resident????? Yes. OK You can get one, and enjoy the roads of Cyprus.

If you cannot adopt to the driving style of the country you stay in - more fool you.

Agian - how may tonight drove home after a few drinks????????????

Yeah - 80% plus

WHO IS THE DANGEROUS DRIVER NOW?????

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
18/01/2011 23:01

msg 60 "Msg 59 - Mike - Show some papers, photos, big load of cash - legal for up to 10 years. Have you driven here? NO! Do you have a car here ??????? "



Yes I have driven here. I drive here every day. Yes I do have a car here.



My original post, if you had bothered to read it, was mainly grumbling at the drivers on the dark side.