Why Getting In A Car In Panama Is The Most Dangerous Thing To Do
(costaricapages.com) Driving in Panama is a challenge to say the least. Panamanian roads and highways are in much better condition than in many other Latin American countries, but they are still not comparable to North American roads.
These are some of the hazards to be aware of when driving in Panama:
1. Poorly Marked Roads
The line paint on Panama’s older roads and highways is usually faded, making it difficult to stay on the proper side of the road during the night and when it’s raining. In more remote parts of the country where there is no lighting, it can be impossible to see whether or not you’re even on the road.
2. Animals On Roads
Panamanian farm animals are notorious escape artists. Horses and cows often escape from their farms and wander around on roads in Panama’s interior provinces. Occasionally horses can be seen standing in the median on the PanAmerican highway, which has caused some serious accidents in the past.
Dogs are another hazard on the roads. In Panama, dogs are allowed to roam free, and the highway is often their last resting place.
3. Motorists Using High Beams
Another difficulty when driving at night in Panama is that many, many drivers keep their high beams on continually. This phenomenon happens in cities as well as on the highways. Expect to be blinded when driving at night in Panama.
4. Drunk Drivers
Drunk driving is illegal in Panama, but no one really cares. On any given weekend night in Panama, a good percentage of the drivers on the road are intoxicated. Police are now starting to enforce the drunk driving laws and are making an effort to catch those who are too drunk to drive. Driving under the influence is still very common and something every motorist in Panama should be aware of.
5. Poorly Maintained Cars
In order to receive a new vehicle registration in Panama, every car must pass a basic check-up at an approved mechanic every year. Even so, many cars and trucks on the road in Panama are in bad shape. The shoulders of Panamanian highways are often full of broken down cars. Many cars on the roads have bald tires and poorly maintained brakes. Mechanical failure is not an uncommon cause of accidents in Panama.
6. Lack Of Common Sense
Panamanian drivers pretty much do what ever they want when driving. Need to turn left but you’re in the right lane? No problem, go for it! Safety is usually not a big concern with many motorists in Panama. As an new arrival in Panama, you can adhere to all of the basic rules of the road, but you won’t make it very far. You need to drive like the locals, or you’ll never get out of your parking space.
Traffic accidents kills hundreds of people every year in Panama. Most are preventable. Driving in Panama is exciting for some and downright terrifying for others. Keep your wits about you and remember, you’re not in Kansas anymore.
