Don’t Try This in America!

If you are an American who has traveled in China or Chinese who has traveled in the USA, you will notice a big difference in driving habits in these different cultures.  The list of “driving differences” is too many to mention here, but let me note one you may keenly observe: handling crosswalks.

In the USA, in theory, all drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians who are on or approaching crosswalks.  To ignore this rule of the road is to risk a hefty fine from an observing police officer, especially extreme in school zones.

In China, crossing streets in many areas is a little more…………adventurous.  Most Americans, coming to China for the first time, are paralyzed with fear when needing to cross the road.  “The light says, “walk,” but cars are still driving past me. What do I do?”

Well, crossing streets in China is a little more “art than science.”  It requires both initiative with mild risk taking along with caution, all working together in harmony.  My American friends often say, “Guy, you are crazy” while I just feel I am conducting my art in harmony with the people and streets of China:)

If you are an American and all else fails……….and you are still standing paralyzed on that street corner, take the advice of my Chinese friend who once told me, “If you are unsure when to cross, find a middle aged Chinese lady who is crossing the street. Cross along with her.You will have nothing to fear because the last thing a Chinese driver wants to deal with is an angry,middle-aged, Chinese lady.” As you see from this last picture, this man is showing the wisdom of his years!