With 4 girls crammed in the back seat of a truck, this was the most horrendous road I experienced in my week in Costa Rica as it travels down and across a river bed with pot holes big enough to fit a smart car. Yet, we had to endure this half hour torture 6 times as it was the best way to get from Playa de Coco to other popular destinations. I'd be surprised if this road was even on a map, but then again, I was surprised most of the roads as they were dirt were on a map, or at least on the iphone GPS. Oh iphone how I love you. It comes in handy when trying to avoid a police check point when your driver has an expired license. Then again, I hear bribing works well too.
But yes, most roads are dirt, and the asphalt ones lack rules. Yet it remains harmonious and by far the kindest driving I have ever experienced. With very few traffic lights and stop signs, it develops a flow. If no one is in a rush, than no one can get angry. Even the honking was of a different vibe. Costa Ricans would honk to let you know as they crossed every intersection cause it wouldn't have a stop sign, but you never heard one of those loud lay on the horns to tell someone to move. These are only a few facets of the design of the Costa Rican driving system because I would have difficult describing everything as it really is an unique experience.
Then when I come home and check my email, I find this call for submission for a NYC.gov project, Greenlight for Midtown Project. The complete opposite as it sets up more rules and regulations to control traffic and direct it, but that is design for you. Good design assesses each individual situation and provides what is necessary for the desired outcome, which is generally fast and safe travel.
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