Mental training in Iran

Whoever says that the Iranian drivers can’t drive, should look in the mirror. You can accuse the Iranian driver of anything you like, but not of misconduct on the roads.

The friendliness of the Persians is also apparent on the road. Whether it is a two or four lane road, the good man remains a gentleman on the road. As soon as he spots a foreigner, which is in its-self a sign of attention, he spares niether cost nor effort to welcome the foreigner. Slaloming, he wends his way up to the visitor’s vehicle. On arriving there he begins to wave and sound a welcome greeting on his horn. To show the oncoming traffic that there is a stranger present, he remains driving on the wrong side of the road. In this way we also receive light(welcoming)signals from the oncoming traffic. One feels completely at home.

When the Iranian isn’t busy making you feel at ease, he gives a good impression of how the average car owner appreciates the tax man. If you pay road tax, of course you must clearly show that you have done your national duty. The best way to do that is to cross from left to right and back again so that your tires touch every inch of the tarmac. In this way you make maximum use of the road and no-one can say that you have paid too much. It happens that when on the road you come across someone who suddenly decides that there is also a nice piece of street on the other side. You have to avoid him, because, of course you don’t begrudge this man value for his money.

Govermental stimulation

The government stimulates every form of advance. This can be seen with the traffic lights. In the towns and larger villages there are plenty of traffic lights to regulate the traffic. These are not intended to slow down the advance, but are merely there to give one an impression of the many shades of red. The traffic lights only have red and orange and mean that you have to drive on. The citizens of the Islamic republic are well-indoctrinated, because they understand that stopping is dying and cheer on the advance.

With all these good intentions you forget to admire the beauty of the country. But on the other hand at any moment of the day you can suddenly jam on your brakes to enjoy the scenery. Everyone expects that from others who want to picnic or just want to stop. It is all in the way you look at standards of driving!