Adventure to Myanmar Part 2
Anything old can be fixed on the streets by someone somewhere. Keeping it simple means everything to the EarthCruiser way. So if necessary there will always be someone who can help. Just ask around!
Very clever people who have simple tools and they know how to use them.
Driving in Myanmar
Axle weights are subjective, more is better obviously. The cab over truck is very common throughout Asia – Fuso and Isuzu, all the players are here. EarthCruiser on a Fuso or Isuzu chassis is a no brainier in many parts of the world.
Right hand drive and right hand side driving…what can possibly go wrong?! We in the US drive a left hand drive vehicle in the right hand lanes. Other parts of the world drive a right hand drive vehicle in the left hand lane (Australia, UK). Not in Myanmar, they drive right hand drive vehicles in the right hand lane. This makes it nearly impossible to change lanes, as you can’t see what’s coming! Hence the spotter in the bus door way checking for traffic and customers.
Rumor has it that one of the military generals who ruled Myanmar went to a fortune teller one day and was advised to change from a left hand lane driving country to the right hand lane driving country overnight! There is a new rule from January 2017 that says no cars (or trucks) more than two years old can be imported. Oh and they must be left hand drive!
Driving Tips
– Drivers are aggressive but polite at all times. There is no road rage. Pedestrians, food carts, bicycles, horses or oxen drawn wagons and all other means of transport can cross at anytime randomly without incurring the wrath of other drivers. There seem to be very few accidents and most cars are dent and scratch free. The beetle juice spit stains on the drivers side doors are another story!!
– Horns are used to signal “get out of my way” or “stay where you are”. They should be used almost continuously when driving in the city.
– Indicators are used to signal when it is safe to overtake. They are not to be used to indicate that one is changing lanes.
