Driving in Ethiopia: Rules and Regulations

After Sunday's experience in the Merkato, here are some rules and
driving tips that citizens of Addis Ababa should be aware of and
respect at all times:

Although licenses are required for automobiles, no driving licenses
are required to drive mules, goats, or chickens. Herding of cattle is
also permitted throughout the streets.

All drivers must be alert at all times. But in Addis, people have a
right to sleep on street corners and medians. As they slumber, a foot
or leg will often hang onto the street. Extra caution advised.

A pedestrian society means three things: 1) People do not look one way
before crossing the street, much less two. 2) Before you can become
angry at a person stepping out in front of your vehicle, a second,
then a third person will do the same thing. 3) Since most people walk
everywhere, the people who do drive have to make up for everyone's
pollution. They do, and then some.

If you are involved in an accident, mark the location of the tires
with rocks before moving either vehicle out of traffic. If following
cars wreck into your street stones, make sure they are properly
adjusted before the police arrive.

If a policemen is blowing his whistle at you, he is attempting to pull
you over. Bear in mind, he is on foot.

The ubiquitous Blue Donkeys are the single biggest threat to motorists, pedestrians,
and regular donkeys alike.

If your vehicle breaks down on the street or ring-road (highway),
simply place rocks of caution 15 meters before your vehicle. Abandon
your vehicle until a convenient time to return and fix the problem
wherever it broke down.

If you have an accident involving an animal, you are responsible to
pay the damages for the livestock's funeral, burial and replacement.
You may even be asked to reimburse the owner with a small herd of
livestock. Attempt to negotiate.

If you are in accident involving a person, immediately take the person
to the hospital. You are responsible to pay for all the bills and
expenses. Attempt to bring an eyewitness.

If you are in an accident that causes the death of someone, you will
go to jail for 15 years (minimum) unless it is on the ring road in
which case it is regarded as suicide (supposedly).

The police write letters to the Bole Airport whenever a Faranj is
involved in an accident. If he attempts to leave the country before
resolving the case, he will not get very far from the airport.

Happy Driving!