Traffic Lines

Traffic lines are everywhere you look. Some are painted on, some are torched on, some sparkle with the addition of new paint, others are dingy and need some attention. Traffic lines for the most part instruct and guide us as we commute on the roadways. Something that always puts a smile on my face is the fact that in China, Traffic Lines are suggestions at best. As we pedaled our bikes to school this morning, we took our usual route, bypassing the main highway, and taking the overpass. The overpass is two lanes, but most drivers enjoy the middle, straddling the dotted line with wheels firmly planted in both lanes. We don't mind this one bit as we pedal along the side, because it allows for even more room as the cars whizz by, but it does provide some comedic relief when the straddler is not moving at the same speed as the cars behind would like. After some honking and perhaps flashing of lights, the straddler will move over, the cars will overtake him, upon which point the straddler will resume his position, in the middle of both lanes. Where it gets real dicey is when the straddler happens to be a full-size truck and trailer, barreling down the highway, straddling two lanes. I saw one such sight from the overpass today. The truck and trailer was humming along, with a few impatient drivers behind, waiting, wondering and finally speeding into action. The waiting and wondering that causes the drivers to hesitate is that passing a truck and trailer is always at your own risk. At times the doors of the trailer can fly open or the truck and trailer can decide to switch lanes at a given instant or more importantly when attempting to overtake him, you are unable to see what coming ahead, because of his dubious and precarious position straddling both lanes. But the drivers press on, truck and trailer are eventually overtaken, and traffic in China moves at its own blistering pace, with its own rythmn, and ultimately its own rules, all 'suggestions' taken into consideration. Perhaps the photo below sums up traffic in China best... notice the distinct white lines that are present.....
Mere Suggestions!!


(Courtesy of goodnewspic.com)