Traffic lights: One should always stop at red traffic lights, right? Yes, if it’s a major intersection and it’s daylight; wrong, if it’s a minor intersection. In this case just slow down, check for oncoming traffic and cops, and go on through. After ten o’clock at night disregard all traffic lights at all intersections; just slow down, check for oncoming traffic, and take off! As is the case in most major cities, this traffic tactic is recommended due to the possibility of being approached by characters with unworthy intentions while stopped and distracted at any intersection, especially at night. No need to be a sitting duck, folks!
So you may be asking, «If everyone is running the red lights, what do
I do at a green light?» Easy. At green lights apply the same tactic as you would at a red light, but just be sure to blink your high beams when approaching an intersection so other motorists will know you are coming through. The one who has the red light will usually give the green light the right of way.
Day or night, you will notice that there exist many red lights where Cariocas do not even hesitate — they fly right through. These lights are usually pedestrian crossings. The reasoning is simple: if there isn’t a pedestrian in sight, why stop! Don’t worry. In time you will learn when to stop, when to slow down, and when to breeze right on through a red light.
And the yellow light? That’s easy. Speed up and make it through before it turns red. For sure, the car behind yours will!
General rules for the road: Lanes don’t mean anything. Pass wherever there is a space and on either side. If you really want to drive like a true Carioca, never stay more than eight seconds in the same lane.
Squeezing someone is another way of saying, «Let me in.» Do not squeeze a bus. It will gladly squeeze you back. Remember! No one pays any attention to blinkers — theirs or anyone else’s.
By the number of cars on the road that have dings or dents, you might get the impression that Cariocas aren’t very concerned about crashing. Not true. Just like anybody else, they do get very angry if somebody smashes or bumps into their car. The only difference in Rio is that if you were to leave your car at the repair shop every time you got a dent or bump, you’d eventually forget you had a car. Besides, what’s a smashed fender or two?
Beware when the driver in the car in front of you signals that he is turning either left or right. Cariocas have a tendency to make wide turns in the opposite direction in which they are going, thus completely confusing those drivers who following them.
Whether driving a car or riding in a taxi, a Carioca will usually buckle up. Now don’t for a minute think that the Carioca hasn’t seriously weighed the pros and cons of this very sensitive issue. It’s just that sometimes the cons seem to tip the scale, and the following are a few reasons why:
If you were a taxi driver, it would be hard on the neck while driving to turn around and carry on a conversation with the passenger in the back seat;
With all the time spent turning off the alarm systems every time you get behind the wheel, buckling up as well would mean you’d always be late;
It is just too hot. (Besides, it tickles the neck.)
So as not to get a multa [’mool tah] (fine), Cariocas will always wear seat belts when driving on a federal highway, even diehard taxi drivers.
Common courtesies in traffic: In Rio, it has been said that the shortest interval of time is between when the light turns green and the driver behind you honks. Since traffic lights are often hidden behind trees or strategically placed overhead at intersections, honking to let the driver in front of you know the light has changed is a common courtesy in traffic. Of course, it is always wise to double check before Stepping on the gas. That honking motorist behind you might be just trying to catch the attention of a passing gata or gatão.
If the driver in front of you puts his hand out the window and motions in an open-and-close fashion, you can be sure he is not suggesting that you are talking too much. He is simply letting you know that you forgot to turn off your headlights after passing through a tunnel.
It is wise to always keep an eye on your rearview mirror. In the blink of an eye you will find a car, one that had previously been nowhere in sight, just centimeters from your rear bumper flashing his brights. This is the Carioca way of letting you know that you are expected to move over and let him pass. If you don’t, he will just squeeze in next to you anyway and pass into the seemingly nonexistent space in front of you.
Although there are several acceptable Carioca procedures for parking your car in Rio, there is only one way a Carioca on wheels will pass a slower car when going through any of Rio’s numerous tunnels.
The Correct Procedure For Passing in a Tunnel
Step 1. Tailgate the slower car in front of you by maintaining a maximum distance of five inches.
Step 2. Continuously blink your high beams (at least five times). Step 3. Down shift one gear (fourth to third).
Step 4. Move aggressively to the right lane without using your blinker.
Step 5. Accelerate completely, pé na tábua (pedal to the metal)!
Step 6. As you are passing the slower car, signal your disgust to the other driver by tossing your hand in the air in his direction, shaking your head in disbelief, and uttering the appropriate language while shifting back into fourth.
Step 7. Once the pass is completed, move aggressively back to the left lane without using your blinker.
Step 8. Be sure not to leave more than three feet between your back bumper and the car you have just passed. If you leave more, another car will squeeze in behind your car and tailgate YOU.
When it seems like nobody is going to let you through when you’re attempting to enter a speed lane, move out of a parking spot, or make a turn, use the «thumbs-up technique.» Simply put your hand out of the car window in a thumb upward motion, smile, and go for it. The «thumbs-up technique» makes any maneuver acceptable.
A word of caution: Do not be tempted to use the traditional thumb and index finger OK sign when maneuvering through Rio’s traffic. Since the OK sign has a very different connotation in this country, w;hen using it you might find yourself in a not-OK situation.
By taxicab
If you are not sure about trying your hand at the wheel in Rio, try just going for the ride. By taxi you will live all the excitement of the traffic without having to drive. Best of all, if by any chance you do get in an accident, it won’t be your car, and it won’t be your fault either!
Cabs are painted yellow with a blue stripe. You will see small cabs and big cabs. They all cost the same, big or small, AC or no AC. So if you are not in a hurry, pick out a decent-looking, bigger cab, preferably one with four doors — just in case you need to make a speedy exit.
To stop a cab, wave frivolously, but don’t stand on the road. Due to the taxi driver’s enthusiasm, he might run you over! Then get in and tell the driver where you want to go.
Never criticize a taxi driver’s driving ability, even if he seems to be completely out of control. Carioca taxi drivers get very offended since they consider themselves the only good drivers on the road.
