I’d like to start this article with the words of the famous Russian writer Gogol. He said: “There are two main troubles in Russia: fools and roads”. I guess I’d like to correct this statement a little bit – the main trouble in Russia is fools on the roads - and that is the truth.
Nowadays Russia is ranked number one in the world mortality and serious consequences related to car accidents. Largely due to government corruption, the condition of the roads has always been a key factor in this situation. Many of the federal roads (highways) don’t answer the world’s standard; about 40% of them have to be reconstructed. As for territorial roads (local), the situation is even more pitiful.
I believe the problem of safety on the roads is primarily a social problem. According to statistics, 315,000 people died and more than 2 million of people were seriously injured in car accidents in Russia during the last 10 years. Just think for a second – that can equal an entire city population!
In state it as a “social problem” because of the drivers and their attitudes toward each other, policy and pedestrians. In Russia 75% of drivers break the rules. The majority of accidents are a result of driving under influence of alcohol or drugs, breaking speed limits and driving into oncoming traffic. In the USA such actions often result in suspension or revocation of the perpetrator’s driver’s license. Russia is woefully behind the times in addressing consequences and even safety in comparison. For example, Russia has only just recently mandated use of seat-belts for all drivers. Modern light switching systems for intersections were only just recently being updates as well. Lastly, black market licenses are regularly purchased
like an off the shelf commodity with no training, education or testing to control who obtains one. Such drivers are very dangerous for others.

Another important thing I’d like to point out is police corruption. In Russia, to stay a while on the roads is a “good way” for inspectors to earn money. They can always find some issues to encourage several bribes in one day. It’s said that a person can call and complain afterwards, but proving the offense is a another matter. In the USA if a driver is stopped by a police inspector, he/she is almost always stopped for a valid reason. The policemen generally treat people respectfully. The fines are usually high, but I think such practices help to prevent car accidents. What I really don’t like about driving in the USA is that two violations can constitute a felony! It’s kind of silly. A felony suggests a terrible crime and that seems hardly comparable with certain road violations.

Last, but not least strange thing for me when I moved in the USA was the drivers’ attitude toward pedestrians. I was impressed by the way drivers treated them. Pedestrians like customers here are always right, even if they are not really. In Russia pedestrians can be for sure called “potential victims”, as drivers often ignore their presence on the roads. If a pedestrian didn’t manage to cross the road it’s considered to be just his/her problem.

In conclusion, I’d like to use a phrase I’ve discovered for myself recently – “a man in the box”. I think many drivers in Russia and some in the USA are always “in the boxes”. I understand that we are all in a hurry to rush home after a difficult day, but if we see people as people, not as objects… if we respect each other’s needs and cares, there will be fewer accidents on the roads.

Before moving to the USA I was worried about my ability to secure a quality position within a reputable company. I was particularly concerned with the issue of acceptance from my coworkers and managers due to the fact that I was a foreigner. While living in Russia I had heard a lot about immigration problems in the USA and it did not make me feel optimistic. I sometimes tried to imagine myself as a foreigner in Russia and wondered how we Russians would deal with him/her.

When I started working in the USA I was impressed by the way my managers and colleagues treated me. Everyone was friendly and tried to help in every possible way. I felt I was a member of a team from the very first day. As a result, I look forward to work each morning. I think it’s an advantage that American company’s may have in comparison to Russian.

I can’t speak about all American company’s, but at Onyx individual and professional qualities are more important than a person’s origin. Success, comfort and an individual personality in American companies are integral to achievement and every employee is expected to fulfill this objective for the company.

In Russia if a person is not yet established as a professional he must always be punctual and does never miss any business conferences, trips or obligations. He must also continually expand his knowledge base.In the USA, the business climate seems much more forgiving in many ways, but un-professionalism (as uniquely defined over here) will not be forgiven.

Employees in American company’s seem to be treated respectfully by Bosses. They don’t make people feel humiliated. The workers are equal with them but at the same time everybody knows they are leaders.

In Russia many Bosses are hypocritical. They show a wide variety of detrimental attitudes. Bosses usually have luxury cars, a secretary who arranges everything for the bosses convenience over the employees. Nepotism extremely common in Russia. Family members are often hired even if they do not qualify or are incapable. Their salary’s are normally far higher than non-related employees. It is demoralizing and the employee must accept it quietly. I think those practices do not help to build successful company.

I have been working for Onyx for one month, and today I had my first Russian Customer. It’s the first time my ability to speak Russian has helped me at work!