Taking a family trip can be a memorable experience. However, depending on where you go, it could be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Driving in any of the following cities around the world can lead to unexpected car repairs and numerous other problems.
Rome, Italy: Italy is the birthplace of auto racing, so it’s no surprise that the streets often resemble a demolition derby. Visitors to the city should be prepared for people not looking before they turn, not wearing their seatbelts, and simply not giving a flying “you know what” about anyone else is on the road. Collisions occur by the dozens each day and the fatality rate is among the highest on the planet. Do you want to avoid a headache and possible head injury? Take advantage of the public transportation available in Rome.
Tokyo, Japan: The problem in Tokyo isn’t necessarily the individual drivers or how they act; it’s the sheer traffic volume. There are so many vehicles hitting the Tokyo roadways every day that the city had to set up a 24/7 monitoring center called the Tokyo Traffic Control Center. If you are headed anywhere in Tokyo, make sure you plan for at least twice as much time as you think you need.
Mumbai, India: If you have searched for lists of the world’s worst driving cities, you have undoubtedly seen dozens of different cities named. However, one thing they will all have in common in the mention of Mumbai. The city has narrow roads, heavy precipitation, extreme traffic volume, and drivers who all act as if they just got their license the day before. Passing around blind turns, entering main roads from side streets without stopping, and ignoring marked lanes are all every day occurrences. Combine that with horrendous road conditions and you have a disaster waiting to happen. Oh yea, and let’s not forget that when the locals get tired from walking they just lie at the roadside and take naps.
Los Angeles, California: LA is continually #1 among American traffic disasters. You have three choices when traveling in and around Los Angeles; leave plenty of extra time, bring a local map, or own a GPS that will guide you around the craziness. The traffic is insane, especially near the morning or afternoon commute. If you choose to visit the city, it’s best to do so on the weekend, or plan to take public transportation.
Athens, Greece: The Greeks laid the foundation for everything that Western civilization is today. It’s too bad civility goes out the window when the people of Athens get behind the wheel of a car. Drivers are apathetic about traffic regulations and will triple park right in the middle of the street without a care for anyone else. Scooter and motorcycle riders swerve in and out of traffic like they are on rollerblades, and pedestrians seem to have a running contest to see who can perform the most dangerous jaywalking stunt. If you are exiting a side street during a time of heavy traffic, you had better hope you packed a lunch because no one will let you in.
Bangkok, Thailand: All those things you see in the movies about Bangkok; it’s all true, including how hard it is to navigate the streets. Hundreds of cars and motorbikes take to the streets each day in an aggressive attempt to navigate the chaos. It is especially hectic for out-of-towners who are unfamiliar with the streets that change direction at a certain time each day.
Orlando, Florida: The city is home to Disney, known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” That may be true at the theme parks, but it’s an entirely different story on the roads. With so many tourists, it’s easy to be caught in the daily logjam headed to the parks and attractions. Even a quick trip for an Egg McMuffin can take hours, as Orlando is home to the world’s largest McDonalds. Thousands of exhausted parents and sugar-filled kids can make a simple pedestrian crossing into an all-day affair. You might want to make sure you hit the Audi car service center for an oil change and tune-up before hitting Orlando, because you can never tell how long it will take to get into and out of the city.
