French free for all !!

[OriginalBigAl]

Massive big thunder storm in Brive earlier today which took out a set of traffic lights on a ring road crossroads around the town just before rush hour. Single lane , north/ south east /west with an extra lane for left/right turns. Absolutely tipping it down so no-one was prepared ( even the Police ) to do a bit of civic duty and do bit of wavy arm antics. Order of the day was keep pushing forwards and wait until some one nervous or in a newer car blinked then make your move. Bus/Lorry drivers did not blink , or brake or give way , might is right.
Managed to get through unscathed but a couple of clenched teeth , bum cheeks moments as you trying to look other drivers in the eye but at the same time not grabbing their attention to gain an micro second of advantage.
Is there an etiquette for these events ? is it a human reaction worldwide or does a countries culture kick in , or a mixture of the two?
Not having to slip the clutch was definitely an advantage.

 

[siteguru]

Sounds like a normal day on the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile roundabout

Also reminds me of my time in Kuwait ... there was a traffic light junction shaped like a T ... on each point there were 3 lanes to enter and 3 lanes to exit ... when lights were on red (for any point) the traffic would fill up the entrance lanes; then also fill up the exit lanes! When the lights turned green it was a free-for-all.