[quote]
It’ll be a learning experience, for sure. I’m nearly positive we’ll be driving only when we head to Costco or out of town on weekends.[/quote]
Ha - you think driving in Taipei is bad? Wait until you get into COSTCO on a Saturday and you get T-boned by a shopping cart driven by a clueless, balding father of 4 on the prowl for some free sample breadcrumbs.
Now that is carnage.
[quote=“914”]I’ve only driven once in Taipei because it was just too scary for me. Everyone seemed to be an offensive driver, whereas I am very defensive.
We’ll be moving to Taipei soon and I am not looking forward to driving. We have small children so we’ll be getting a car. It is just not practical at this time to rely on public transit and cabs.
I need reassurance that I won’t die each time I’m behind the wheel in the city. Would appreciate advice, tips, and encouragement. :help:[/quote]
Here is my advice:
Try using your left and right rear view mirrors a lot. When you’re doing a right turn, believe me, you’ll need to look at the right rear view mirror to make sure that you’re not gonna hit a scooter that doesn’t give a flying f*** about you.
If there are multiple lanes, try to stay on the leftmost lane if you want to avoid scooters. Once in a while though a car will stop at the leftmost lane to turn left in which case you can a) wait or b) try to merge to the right lane without hitting anything.
Do be aware of your surroundings when you drive cuz you’ll never know when you might need that sudden stop/turn to avoid an accident.
Finally, you won’t die in a car (especially if you drive a Bimmer) but will most likely kill someone riding on a scooter if you drive a car.
Well, that’s going to reassure the OP no end… 
“Cowards die many times before their deaths;The valiant never taste of death but once”
See here for further discussion/argument on this topic.
viewtopic.php?f=75&t=100092&p=1311110&hilit=Confidence+to+drive+a+car#p1311110
Well, that’s going to reassure the OP no end… [/quote]
Yeah but the OP wanted assurance that he/she won’t die while driving 
Now, on the other hand, if he/she were to ride a scooter…
[quote=“Super Hans”][quote]
It’ll be a learning experience, for sure. I’m nearly positive we’ll be driving only when we head to Costco or out of town on weekends.[/quote]
Ha - you think driving in Taipei is bad? Wait until you get into COSTCO on a Saturday and you get T-boned by a shopping cart driven by a clueless, balding father of 4 on the prowl for some free sample breadcrumbs.
Now that is carnage.[/quote]
:roflmao:
I’ve encountered that guy many times. To the original poster, the scooters scared me at first as well. You’ll get used to them with time. Just stay calm and collected and try not to make any sudden turns or lane changes. If you need to turn, put your blinker on early and move slowly. Think of yourself as a big fish and the scooters as little fish. Move slowly and they will swim around you.
Fear is good, it keeps you aware…