Moscow Traffic
Few can survive Moscow traffic. It takes will of steel, patience and a lot of nerve, but you can make it through!
Scared? Don't be! It's more exhausting than intensive. You will have to deal with Russian drivers, though - these guys are something else! Jams aren't always bad, you know. Can't imagine what would happen if Moscow drivers had nothing on their way!
Still - driving in Moscow is tough but doable. Just sit tight, fasten the seatbelt, and obey the traffic rules!
Okay, so what are the challenges we'll have to face?
After a year of driving in Moscow I began to understood why nobody conquered us. Russian drivers are totally daredevil, and that's the first thing you need to accept.
When you are on the road, things seem like a space combat simulator. Everything happens fast, cars are coming in from all the directions, and it's a total chaos out there.
I don't blame you if you get shocked - I was stunned myself. You'll get used to it, don't worry. The most important thing is not to be afraid. I mean, you will be afraid, but if you go on - you'll succeed.
Take precautions - drive slowly, have a map, and fasten your seatbelt. Couple of weeks of driving - and you'll grow into a true Muscovite.
Just don't run somebody over!
If you decide to drive know this - there's no way avoiding them. Prepare to sacrifice a significant portion of your time, come out at least an hour and a half before the meeting, and be very, very,VERY patient.
I'm not laughing - traffic jams DO make you a really patient person. This is what happened to me at least. As I said, there's no way avoiding them, but there are still things you can do to suffer less.
They all come down to minding the time, the place, and the weather. In other words - don't be there at rush hour, try to avoid the beltways, and know it'll take you more time to get where you need when the weather is bad.
The things are not that simple of course, but follow the rules above and you'll figure out the rest pretty easily.
When they stop you, know this - what they really after is your money. If you don't wanna pay them - make sure you have all that the law requires.
Always make sure you have a med kit, a fire extinguisher and all the documents you need including license, insurance, and vehicle papers. If the vehicle belongs to someone else you'll also need the power of attorney.
Rules and regulations change often, so make sure you're up-to-date. It's best to ask your Moscow friends - they'll surely know!
Moscow roads structure can be quite confusing to someone who's been living in a city like New York. Instead of a well-planned, well-built traffic network you'll have to deal with a confusing, outdated road system.
Almost every European capital has this problem, their main traffic outlay created way before there were any cars at all!
To understand how the system works, read my article about Moscow roads structure - and get well prepared to handle the Moscow traffic!
By the way, here's how you can avoid Moscow traffic jams - and save yourself a lot of time. Take a look, it might just help you!
Ready to hit the road? Come! on There is no stopping us!
But do have 500 rubles with you, just in case!
Related posts:
- MKAD - the Moscow Ring Road
- Moscow bombings.
- How to avoid Moscow traffic jams
- Moscow Roads Structure - The Secrets Of Roads In Moscow
- Moscow driving - some tips regarding driving in Moscow!
- GIBDD - the Moscow Road Police Force
- Dealing with Moscow police part II
- Moscow traffic jams - how to deal with traffic in Moscow.
- Moscow survival skills page II
- Moscow survival skills part I
- Protecting yourself from Russian mobsters
- Russian nazi skinheads - myths and facts
- Moscow transport
- Dealing with Moscow police.
