The Logistics of Settling In 169Traffi c Police
Numerous uniformed traffic police occupy small guardhouses
and corners all along the streets of Cairo. Their precise
purpose is a bit perplexing. Increasingly, traffic police actually
do stop cars to allow pedestrians to cross, especially in the
downtown and tourist areas. Although traffic police are
located at most big intersections, they most frequently seem
to be there for decoration or special circumstances. Traffic
lights are typically ignored except in the central area of the
city or at specific times in other areas. Only well versed
Egyptian drivers can discern the hand signals given by traffic
police indicating when it is actually time to obey them. Your
best bet, as a newcomer, is to watch what other drivers do
and follow suit. Most are at first overwhelmed by the traffic
and see no logic in its pattern. This is especially true with
horn-honking characteristic of Cairo. Note that traditional
Cairo horn-honking will get you a fine in Alexandria, where
the practice is now prohibited.
The Art of Horn Honking
In Cairo, horns seem to be honked incessantly all day and all night.
There is some logic to the practice. Horns communicate a driver’s
intentions to other vehicles and pedestrians alike. As a general rule of
thumb, one honk means ‘I am here and coming’ or is used to signal
‘thanks’ after passing a vehicle. Two honks mean ‘I am passing you’.
Three honks mean ‘I am coming on fast—watch out!’ It is actually a
very effi cient way of communicating in a city where lanes, lights and
Western rules of right-of-way are non-existent. Automobile lights can
serve the function of a horn at night, and are used mostly to let other
drivers and pedestrians know you are coming. Sometimes lights and
horns are used simultaneously.Motorcycles, Bicycles, Donkeys and
Donkey Carts
Interspersed among the mass of cars zig-zagging and honking
are people using various other forms of transportation.
Bicycles and motorcycles weave in and out among the cars.
They often have either little horns or bells. Sometimes they
have neither, and you will hear a hissing sound to warn you
of their presence.