96 CultureShock! Chile
catalytic converters, and those cars are prohibited from
driving as well. These numbers are clearly advertised in
newspapers and on television and the policy is enforced.
Drivers caught breaking the law must pay a hefty fine.
Commercial vehicles and factories are also subject to
restriction, under a different set of guidelines.
Although vehicle exhaust and emissions from nearby
factories are the major contributors to smog, dust is another
serious culprit. Santiago is a very dry and dusty city and
studies have recommended paving more roads to address
the pollution problem. However, critics argue that that would
only serve to raise temperatures within the city.LITTER
You may be shocked by the amount of litter thoughtlessly
strewn about, especially in common public areas and along
highways. Driving along the road you will undoubtedly see
people toss garbage from car or bus windows. Although
Chileans keep their homes and private areas neat and tidy,
sadly there is a lack of understanding that common areas
are their responsibility too. This can be blamed partly on
successive governments that have failed to institute anti-
littering campaigns. Chileans are under the impression
that it is solely the government’s responsibility to clean up
and maintain public areas. Municipalities hire labourers to
sweep up the plazas, sidewalks and streets, but clearly this
is not enough. Graffiti and political propaganda can also
be seen everywhere.EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes and tremors are a hazard of living in Chile.
Over the years, Chile has been struck by several very strong
earthquakes. The cities of Valparaiso and Concepcion have
been destroyed on a number of occasions. On 27 February
2010 an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit south central Chile.
While it was felt across a great expanse including Santiago,
most of the damage occurred in cities such as Concepción,
Talcahuano and Talca, in rural areas where adobe structures
were demolished and along the coast, where a tsunami