When visiting a new place, tourists often comment on the most notable characteristics – the rain in Vancouver, the expense of London, the beauty of Paris. While India has many attributes that warrant comment, none seem as dominant as the traffic chaos.
Here are some handy tips for passengers who may be confused by the driving system. (Note that visitors attempting to drive themselves should ensure their life insurance is up to date.)
- Lane markers on roads are simply a guideline and need not be followed. As are red lights. And pretty much any other sign.
- For the most part, the largest vehicle has right of way. However, this can be confusing because camels pulling carts can be very large and I have yet to discern if this rule applies.
- Cows do not respond well (or at all) to incessant honking when they occupy the middle of the road.
- Driving is mostly on the left hand side of the road, except when they decide to drive on the right side.
- Standing in the middle of a three-lane highway, conducting some sort of business is acceptable, as is fitting your entire family on one motorcycle.
- Honking is its own language. There's the I'm-passing-you honk (quick beep), the angry honk (prolonged), the hello foreign lady honk (morse code-like beeps), and the unnecessary honk (simply because the driver is alone on the road and is missing the sound of his own horn, as its been at least 10 seconds since the last beep.)
Sounds like Vietnam. I am impressed you could decipher the honking language.
ReplyDelete