Wednesday 20 December 2017

Indian roads - it's all part of the experience!


Driving (or better put being driven) in India, is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. For those of us who are used to the rules of the road in other parts of the world, travelling by car in India offers a whole new cultural experience. Where basically, the rule book is treat more as a guidance note. 
For example, if the highway planners built and marked out a two lane road, then Indian drivers will create their own four lanes. And not always heading in the same direction! 
Basically if there is even the tightest road space to fit a car, motor bike, cycle, taxi or bus, then it will be filled. In the cities that means bumper to bumper, door to door. But in the rural areas where the pot holes are everywhere, then the order of the day is to weave, swerve and generally find your own way on whichever side of the road is most convenient. 
Whether city or rural road, the drivers use their horn to announce their presence to other drivers. For instance when overtaking on a blind corner, one simply sounds the horn to alert oncoming g traffic and if that doesn’t work, then one or other vehicle will casually swerve onto the side of the road to avoid collision. 
And remarkably, without cause for anger, distress or upset from either party. It’s just the way things are done. 
Remarkably it works. Somehow from the chaos comes a system that (if the statistics are anything to go by) results in less accidents per head of population than the supposedly safer roads in the developed world.
My advice to those of a sensitive nature, is close your eyes and try to relax. It will be fine. For those less sensitive, relax lie back and marvel in the chaos. It’s all part of the experience.
Join us in India in 2018

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