tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5615366507789293298.post5301540759925841773..comments2023-10-06T23:45:35.504+08:00Comments on Betelnut Equation - Living in Taipei Taiwan as an expat: Expat Culture in Taiwan: Even the dogs are smarterDan Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10786596041715638135noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5615366507789293298.post-81587733595313593302011-02-23T12:40:19.010+08:002011-02-23T12:40:19.010+08:00Yes, the Taiwanese are most certainly clueless abo...Yes, the Taiwanese are most certainly clueless about how to drive. My solution for self defence was to start carrying a walking stick when in the city. You'll see them at Carrefour or sporting goods stores, retractable metal sticks made for hiking. Most become small enough to put in a backpack when you go inside buildings.<br /><br />Nothing gets a Taiwanese driver's attention faster than carrying something with the ability to break his window or mirrors, or damage his paint job. They know you're there, but it's the threat of damage that makes them stop. Try carrying one sometime and see how much a difference it makes in their attitudes.<br /><br />That's not to say I actually go out and hit them out of aggression. I've only had two instances where the Taiwanese suffered damage or injury. But better them than me.<br /><br />The first was an idiot who thought he could turn in front of me, nearly driving through me as I crossed legally at a crosswalk. The pointed tip (which usually touches the ground) made a huge scratch down the side of his entire vehicle. That got his attention alright - he was yelling and screaming about his BMW, but I pointed at the crosswalk and walk signal, yelling at him, and just kept walking. The other was an idiot on a scooter who, again, tried driving through me, except this time face to face. The pointed tip impaled him in the ribs, knocking him over, leaving him gasping in pain as I walked away.<br /><br />I don't feel the least bit sorry. I don't endanger others and I obey the law. If I'm obeying the law and the Taiwanese endanger my life and safety, they forfeit any concern I normally have for their lives. Drivers like these were a 1-in-100 event at home. Here, civilized drivers are the 1-in-100.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com