GETTING AROUND THE COUNTRY Upon arrival in Haiti it seems that one's sensory perceptions quickly go into overload, you are immediately overwhelmed by sights, sounds and smells. Your first impression may come, if you have a window seat, as the plane prepares for landing. More than likely it is when you depart the airport terminal with your luggage, a possible future story.
Some of my most frequently asked questions are about driving in Haiti. "Were you scared when you first drove here, are there any rules of the road, do they actually give them licenses to drive this way"? My answers were "no, yes but not written down, and yes and they aren't cheap". Maybe it's because most of our teams are transported in the back of a large stake bed truck that their senses get such a workout. More than likely for those who ride in the cab with me it is the realization that if we crash we will be the first ones at the scene of the accident.
All along our route to the town of Montrouis and Canaan there will be visual reminders of recent and long ago accidents. Most wrecked vehicles are left at the scene of the accident till almost every salvageable piece is stripped off and carted away.
Gap Ministry has three vehicles, a large stake bed truck for people and luggage, a small four door pickup and a 12 passenger van which we are still waiting for approval to put on the road. Canaan has a similar large stake bed truck, another small four door truck and a 70 passenger school bus which is rarely used.
Our transportation sources are similar to those of public transport you will find all across Haiti.The one most people are familiar with is the tap tap, these small little trucks are usually sagging under there weight of 5 times their normal load ( no exaggeration). There are many theories as to where they derived their name. Some think it comes from the sound of the little engines as they labour along with their heavy loads. Others myself included believe it is because you pound with the palm of your hand on the side or roof of the vehicle when you want off thus the word tap tap. These gaily painted little taxis along with their big brothers ,the American style school buses are the most popular ways to go great distances.
These big buses, who are the King of the Road, all have drivers who seem bent on self destruction and don't seem to mind taking as many others with them as possible. Maybe that is why they have religious painting and verses painted on them. God fearing names like Dieu Qui Decide ( God who decides) and L'Ange de Dieu ( The Angel of God) are but a few you will see as they pass you blaring their horns at high speeds on curves and up hills.
The other way of getting around is by Camion which comes from the French word meaning truck or lorry. These are the large transport trucks carrying cargoes of produce, grain, cement, and cattle. They usually have a rope hanging out the back so people can pull them selves on as the vehicle moves down the road.
Ok now for those rules of the road :
1. In towns sidewalks are for small business purposes. The road is designed for pedestrians it's secondary use is for vehicles.
2. The horn is one of the most vital tools at your disposal. Being stingy with it's use is rude and unsafe.
3. The concept of space and weight goes like this, never waste space. If two cars can slip into somewhere surely another one will too. There is always room for one more on the tap tap or inside the bus, if not get on top.
4. When driving one needs to practice diplomacy. There is a time for patience and literally a time to put your foot down.
5. Priority goes to who is most in a hurry. In the case both vehicles are, it is best to yield to the the larger one, rather than play the game of chicken.
Driving in another country always takes some getting use to, as to where Haiti ranks compared to other countries, I can't say. I would love to hear other people's opinions as to what country has the worse drivers and roads. Please leave a comment. In God's love, steve
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