Road tripping in Panama
Posted by Lee on November 11, 2009
I drive the roads of Panama daily. Frequently from Boquete to David and less frequently but it seems too often to Panama City. In my three years here the Interamerican Highway from David to Panama is always being repaired. Repaired is a good thing, but the highway is still a driving hazard.
My current rant is not about repairs, it is about the confusion caused by traffic signs, in particular the speed zones. The Interamerican varies from two lane from David to Santiago up to four lanes from Santiago to Panama City. The speed signs on the highway vary from 100, 80, 60 down to 40 KPH. The unsigned areas are tricky and even those with signs can be a bit confusing. The road is often devoid of Transitos (Traffic Police) but at times they set radar traps along the highway.
Each year I have been here I earned one traffic ticket. A few weeks ago for doing 83 KPM in a 60 KPM zone. The only issue I had with the stop was the lack of a sign. It has happened twice now, Suddenly in a 100 KPM zone a house appears and so can a Transito saying near houses the speed limit drops to 60 KPM.
Add to the speeding ticket option the fact that a Transito can if he chooses write a ticket for driving under the speed limit or even for not having the book of traffic regulations in your car. I have never been treated in anything but a professional manner by a Transito but the fines are high $50 for speeding and you do accumulate points and can lose your license.
This all brings back memories of driving in the US before the Interstate system when traffic stop revenue helped to fund many small town coffers. In the past these stops might have been a source of pocket revenue to the traffic officer, now I take the ticket. I have noticed that the traffic police are less willing to hint for a bribe since the administration changed in Panama.
I do not mind the drive to Panama City but I prefer to ride in a bus or fly to avoid the constant stress of impending traffic stops.
Comments
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Thanks for posting the picture of the 2 conflicting speed signs. I saw them a few months ago and thought they would make a good picture. This story reminds me of the time last year that a motorcycle cop stopped me headed down the hill to David. He was ready to give me a ticket when I mentioned that I had an organic farm near Santa Marta. A big smile came across his face and he said he was also from Santa Marta. He then said I could go ahead but to slow down as he didn’t like picking up dead bodies along the highway.
“In my three years here the Interamerican Highway from David to Panama is always being repaired.”
When I took my first road trip to Chiriqui in 1978, the road was being repaired. It was also being repaired on every trip I’ve made since then. Some things never change.
Henry
I totally agree on busing it. Panama has decent roads and highways compared to its Latin American neighbors. But aggressive drivers make the journey an white knuckle adventure. Buses are cheap, most of them are air conditioned, and you get to experience the local vibe.
In order to take a bus to practically every province in Panama, I pay a $2.00 cab ride from my apartment in Casco Viejo to Albrook bus terminal, and then a couple dollar bus ride to anywhere in Panama. I love buses.
Casco Viejo: that is what I plan to do.
Do you Have any idea how can I get informed about buses leaving the Albrook bus terminal to David?
And to David to Buenos Aires Costa Rica?
I am currently far away from these places and try to book tickets for the last week of this year. Maybe you may help me with tips on this travelling project…
my email is helenawaf@gmail.com
regards
Helena