Zebra Crossing

People are always amazed I drive in Hong Kong – they think the traffic is bad or chaotic and that I take a chance in the mayhem.  I think I take a greater chance actually crossing the road here.  Drivers seem to take no care or consider the fact people actually need to cross the road and there are few zebra crossing. Today I was nearly taken out by a speeding Grey Porsche 911.  Now I always dream of owning one but going to heaven (presuming that’s my destination) by one is not what I had in mind. It seems that the point system is alive and well in Hong Kong.  I stopped taking the children in strollers a long time ago because it takes longer to cross the road and you are a ‘bigger’ target and ‘bigger’ points.  So we usually bundle up the children in our arms when we cross the road but even then there is no respect for us.  Buses, taxis, blue trucks and private vehicles don’t seem to slow down here at intersections and NEVER stop at the few zebra crossings that exist. I think pedestrians should take classes on how to cross a road in Hong Kong.  Schools could be set up by the police, and notes given plus advice on how best to cross a road and at what time.  There is no doubt peak hour traffic does not consider the fact that children go to school around the same time and maids are crossing the road with their charges.  The maids don’t have driving skills so are unaware of the speed a car is doing (when you yourself drive you have a better understanding of the maneuvering of a car).   I am not sure why they having crossings here for pedestrians given cars don’t stop for them.  I have even been honked by traffic behind me because I stopped to let a pedestrian cross at a zebra crossing.  Well where I came from that was the whole idea and the law. Speed checks are often done around the Happy Valley racecourse – obviously trying to get that car that thinks they are in direct competition to a horse!   But they don’t seem to do speed checks at the Sing Woo, Blue Pool Road Y intersection where the cars come hurtling down into the valley, in the vicinity of no less than five schools. I think awards should be given to pedestrians for being able to navigate the streets of Hong Kong in the face of manic drivers. There is no doubt on the island if you see a space you put your foot down – give your car a reeve but look out for the pedestrian because they might be there TOO. Cars rule in Hong Kong, they say more about you than anything else.  They are washed everyday by that same little amah crossing the road with her charge, they are immediately repaired if scratched or dented, they are an indication of your status in society. So if travelling in Hong Kong – watch the road and beware Zebra crossings are not what you think they are for.  I am still trying to work out why we have them – perhaps to brighten up the road.