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Getting rid of irritation is key to driving sensibly and therefore safely. AUTO BILD INDIA lists out the top ten causes of irritation
All of us who drive on India’s chaotic and overcrowded roads are well acquainted with irritation, for it pops out at us at almost every turn of the road, every junction and often, even on arrow straight stretches of tarmac. And irrespective of how many years we may have been driving for or how mature we may otherwise be, this irritation eventually catches up with us. After all, how patient can you be when everyone around you is doing stupid things, day in and day out, 365 days a year? The result is usually predictable. We fi nally lose our patience and do something senseless, for every single irritant adds up and eventually becomes a mass of frustration coiled up inside.In these pages we tell you some of the main causes of irritation in a driver that one should watch out for, and how to deal with them.
This can cause major irritation, especially if you’re in a hurry. Honk a couple of times to let him know that the signal has changed. Flashing the headlamps usually has little effect in such a case.
Look ahead and spot that slow guy in the fast lane from early on. Once you've done that just use the other lane. There's no point flashing or honking.
Another common malady on Indian roads. You can signal a couple of times but most likely, to no avail. The best thing to do is to be patient and overtake them when you can safely do so.
This is not only irritating but is also extremely dangerous. Scan the roads for such cars and steer clear of them, giving them a wide berth.
Many Indian drivers think that two sides of a road are the same as two completely different roads. If you spot a car coming down the wrong side of the road, there isn’t much you can do, except move off your own line and avoid them. There’s no point in trying to confront them; they obviously think they’re doing nothing wrong. Some drivers will even argue with you should you decide to point out their error!
Is it not politeness to acknowledge an acquaintance? So, Indians are prone to stopping in the middle of the road if they recognise someone. Signal a couple of times to let him know that he’s blocking traffic and then pass him safely.
All Indian bus drivers and autorickshaw drivers think it is their right to block roads when picking up passengers. Overtake these vehicles at the fi rst safe opportunity to do so. Sitting on the horn usually has little effect on them.
Every driver on Indian roads wants to get ahead of the other drivers, and often causes further traffic snarls. Just make sure you’re not one of them, adding to the confusion. Bide your time and soon enough the traffi c will be moving again.
Indian drivers have little consideration for other users and will think nothing of parking their cars such that they block your car or in a narrow lane blocking it off completely. In the first situation there’s nothing to do but be patient. In the other case, use another route if possible.
Indian drivers love honking, even when there’s no need for it. Pump up the volume on your car’s music system a bit and roll up the windows so you can shut the noise out. It is the other guy who must be patient.
