David To Get Traffic Lights
Jan 16th, 2007 by Don Ray
It has been written up in La Prensa that at the end of January, the transit authority will begin installing 25 traffic lights. The first lights will be installed on la Avenida Central.
I bet it will take some time for the general public to accept them and honor them. I think all will be well advised to use caution even when approaching a green light, because I think many red lights will be run.
The traffic lights (los semáforos) is a good indication that there is an increased growth in cars in David and more growth is assumed. They are trying to get people accustomed to using traffic lights before the real growth hits David.
Exciting times are coming.
I was astonished to see people stop their cars, out in the country, at a four way stop sign, and then decide it was OK to go on. That people have that much respect (is that what it is or is it fear of being caught, fined and jailed) for a chunk of metal, painted red with white letters spelling out STOP. That was ages ago before I began driving. Now, at 72, I find myself stopping and since I can see to the horizon in all directions, I wonder why?
The Panamanians are not very patient when they are behind a steering wheel. And changes in their driving habits are not easily come by. It will be interesting to watch.
I know I keep harping on Costa Rica, but ignoring traffic lights, signs, turn signals, by pretty much ALL drivers….completely BLEW my mind! CRAZY!
And it may be the same in David.
Installing traffic lights in David is something that I’ve been expecting for a while now. Am curious where on Av. Central the first light will be installed; personally, I think the Interamericana intersections by Super Baru, Plaza Terronal and Cochez should be near the top of the list. Hopefully the traffic lights will also make being a pedestrian safer. Exciting times? Yes! Chaos? Yes! Think now’s the time to invest in a chapisteria…
Note to Abe: here in David, you should treat every intersection as a 4-way stop, whether there are stop signs or not. If there are signs, most local folks ignore them, and if there aren’t signs - well, chances are good there used to be one there before it was stolen & sold for scrap.
Your points are all valid.
Hi Don Ray,
Another traffic note: today, for the first time, I spotted Transito officers pulling over drivers with the VERY expired plates & registration stickers on their cars. They’re very easy to spot now that every car registered in 2006 in Panama should be displaying those bright blue plates. This year’s plate is now out - back to the basic white with an orange outline of Panama.
I also need to remember that I have to renew my drivers license this year.
I feel relieved about the David stoplights. A friend told me you have to learn to “ooze” with the traffic in Panama City. I think the same is true of David.
I now may be able to drive through that “star” intersection up a couple of blocks from the bus stop. That was one that made me hold my breath! The same was true at times with the Interamerican Highway intersections.
Overall though, Panama is such a beautiful country that driving is a pleasure.
Driving in David is pretty easy. I hope the lights don’t make it more difficult.
I never seen so many Mercedes, BMW’s, and Lexus with smashed fenders in San Jose Costa Rica. You would absolutely be crazy to own a nice car there!
I belived back in 1975 or 1977, I don’t remenber exactly in David they tried to get the traffic lights but there were not enough cars in those days. That is good for David that means that it keeps growing. Good four you guys.
It will be quite a cultural change. It will be interesting to watch.
[...] two months ago I wrote in a post, that David was going to get traffic lights. La Prensa had said it would begin at the end of [...]