Paphos People

1) Traffic emerging from side roads have full right of way to those on the main highway.

2) Likewise, traffic coming in the opposite direction and turning right in front of you have total priority.

3) If the vehicle in front of you is only just exceeding the speed limit you are entitled to overtake them, even on a blind bend. Do not be concerned about traffic coming towards you, it is their responsibility to take evasive action.

4) Always cut corners - you will be amazed how much fuel this saves over a year.

5) At junctions, "Stop" does not actually mean "Stop" – it’s just that "Give Way if you really, really have to" would not fit on the sign.

6) A 'Red Traffic Light' also does not mean "Stop" - You should edge forward for at least 10 metres ready to roar away the moment the lights change. That half second you save may be invaluable when you are older.

7) Please be aware that the intermittent flashing light found on each corner of your vehicle is strictly for ornamental purposes only. On no account should they be used to try and indicate direction of travel as this will only confuse other road users.

Parking in town and city centres is not always easy but fortunately there are some 'Free Parking Areas' – these are easily identified by the black and white 'zebra' style markings with zig-zag lines either side. Should these spaces be full (they usually are) then you must not park on the double yellow lines. Instead park on the pavement alongside. Do not worry about the pedestrians as they will have ample room to go around your car and into the road.

9) If you are a motorcyclist ensure you cover your hair with lots of Extra Strong Gel. This will give your head great protection and alleviate the need to wear one of those nasty, unattractive 'helmet' type hats.

10) Also a motorcyclist should remove any type of ‘silencer' from his bike. It is important that no one should be denied hearing the tuneful melody emitted by his souped up 50cc 'Hotbird'.
The only exception to the above "Rules" should, obviously, be taxi drivers. For as we all know they can do exactly as they like!

Happy Motoring!
JGG

1. Indicators will give away your next move. A confident Cypriot driver
avoids using them.

2. Under no circumstance should you maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, because somebody else will fill in the
space, putting you in an even more dangerous situation.

3. The faster you drive through a red light; the less chance you have of
getting hit.

4. Never get in the way of an older car that needs extensive bodywork,
especially with WW, MO or MH plates. With no insurance, the other
operator probably has nothing to lose.

5. Braking is to be done as hard and late as possible to
ensure that your ABS kicks in, giving a vigorous, foot massage as the
brake pedal violently pulsates. For those of you without ABS, it's a
chance to strengthen your leg muscles.

6. Never pass on the right when you can pass on the left. It's a good
way to prepare other drivers entering the motorway.

7. Speed limits are arbitrary figures, given only as a suggestion and
are not enforceable in Cyprus during rush hour.

8. Always brake and rubberneck when you see an accident or
even someone changing a tyre. This is seen as a sign of
respect for the victim.

9. Learn to swerve abruptly without signalling. Cyprus is the home of
high-speed slalom driving thanks to the Department of Public Works,
which puts potholes in key locations to test drivers' reflexes and keep
them alert!

10. It is tradition in Cyprus to honk your horn at cars in front of you
that do not move three milliseconds after the light turns green.

11. To avoid injury in the event of a collision or rollover,
it is important to exit your vehicle through the windscreen right away.
Wearing your seat belt will only impede your hi-velocity escape from
danger.

12. Remember that the goal of every Cypriot driver is to get ahead of the pack by whatever means necessary.

13. WARNING! Never come to a complete stop at a stop sign. No one
expects it and it will result in you being rear-ended