It’s all perception of course, but one can’t escape the impression that as roads get busier drivers tend to become aggressive. That this often endangers others doesn’t seem to bother them, as they are obviously in a hurry.
“To go where?” some might ask, because on a small island with relatively narrow streets this practice appears particularly senseless. Even passing half a dozen cars is not likely to make a big difference in their arrival time, precisely due to the congestion that apparently upsets them.
Actually, courteous behaviour in traffic over the years greatly contributed to St. Maarten’s nickname “The Friendly Island.” With a far-from-ideal infrastructure, giving each other a break here and there is almost a necessity to keeps things moving.
It should also be noted that a considerable number of motorists are visitors who may not be totally familiar with local circumstances. Taking into account that their dollars drive the one-pillar tourism economy providing the livelihood for practically the entire population, having a bit of patience and understanding certainly where it regards rentals is not too much to ask.
People shouldn’t forget either that what sets a destination apart, in addition to its physical attributes, is how guests are treated and made to feel. This human factor means more than many realise and is not limited to hotels, restaurants, attractions or other touristic areas, as especially repeat visitors of whom the island has a lot often go just about everywhere.
So, on the next occasion when stress levels threaten to go up while stuck in a line of traffic and lead to road rage, take a deep breath, try to relax and remember this is the high season, when much of the community’s annual income must be earned. In that sense it’s very much “the more the merrier.”
