Originally Posted by alo (Post 21408631)

If anyone has lived in S E Asia, there is a completely different way of thinking. People just ignore road rules. Everyone just tries to get in first. Motorcycle riders will go across intersections, and not even turn their heads left or right. People will pull out from side roads and driveways, and not even look to see if any traffic is coming. Large numbers of people run red traffic lights. It is very common for people to run others off the road when overtaking.

If a local is going along, and see someone approaching an intersection, or coming out from a side road, they know they are not going to look, so they sound the horn. It is up to you to warn others, because they don't look.

When riding a bicycle in S E Asia, the same thing applies. If you don't use a horn, expect people to pull out in front of you.

As a result of this, traffic is very slow. Because people do a lot of stupid things on the road, everybody needs to drive slowly.

There are also a stupid amount of people killed in road accidents. The proportion of people killed in road accidents is much higher than in countries where people obey road rules.

People who have not lived in S E Asia, will probably have a difficult time understanding. You can get a better idea by watching Youtube videos of motorcycle accidents in S E Asia.

Originally Posted by Daniel4 (Post 21411582)

No doubt, you'd want a loud electric horn just to walk around with. I've come across motorists who literally try to nudge pedestrians over while they were still crossing the street. A super high lumen light to shine in the driver's face would help. Can't drive if you can't see.

Originally Posted by alo (Post 21397878)

If you want a really loud air horn, get one of these.

Originally Posted by alo (Post 21411668)

They actually just allow a lot less space. We like to wait until the person is across the street, or other vehicle is across the intersection, before going. If they miss by a foot / 300mm they missed. This is one reason for accidents. If you have near misses all of the time, sooner or later you will hit.

It would actually be a good idea to have a flashing red light on your back, if you walk around the streets of these countries at night, so you can be seen. I am sure you would attract comments from those who think this is a bit extreme.

Originally Posted by Daniel4 (Post 21414453)

With so little space given, I wonder how motorists feel if someone "accidentally" scratched up the paint job on his luxury vehicle because he's so close. Maybe they don't care.

Originally Posted by Ogsarg (Post 21411190)

Not sure where you are, but I can't recall ever seeing a bike that came with a bell, except maybe some cutesy kiddie bike.

Originally Posted by Daniel4 (Post 21411582)

No doubt, you'd want a loud electric horn just to walk around with. I've come across motorists who literally try to nudge pedestrians over while they were still crossing the street. A super high lumen light to shine in the driver's face would help. Can't drive if you can't see.