This is something else I haven’t mentioned much, if at all, in here. I’ve mentioned the driving habits, ie lack of turn signals, passing, cutting people off, weaving in and out, and all that stuff. But I haven’t mentioned, I don’t think, the fact that I’m pretty close to the only person in all of Sri Lanka who uses a seat belt when they become available.
I also haven’t mentioned that, and yes, it is frequently, I’ve seen entire families riding on a motorcycle. Dad driving. Mom riding behind him. Five year old son in daddy’s lap. Three year old daughter in mom’s lap. Baby in mom’s arm. The left one. The right one around daughter in lap.
I wish I was kidding. I really do.
I also wish this was not common.
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t.
I see if far too frequently, and it scares the living stuffing out of me.
Oh, did I mention that NONE of them had helmets on? Not one single one of them? And sometimes, they’re also carrying groceries or other shopping from the handlebars.
Okay, I know that vehicles are too expensive for most people to own here. I do realize that. I also realize that most people can’t afford to take trishaws everywhere, or even anywhere. But c’mon, please. Take mass transit.
I know it sucks. But it isn’t likely to kill your kid.
