I've delayed posting about driving in India. Mainly because it's just such chaos I didn't really know if i could describe it. To summarize:
No rules
No laws
No lanes
Very few Traffic lights (which means more chaos at intersections)
Everyone is out for themselves
Rush hour traffic most of the day/night
It's an obstacle course filled with buses, cars, SUV's, motorcycles, scooters, ox pulled carts, rickshaws, bicycles, pedestrians, people crossing in front of you, people pushing fruit carts, cows, dogs, sheep, goats, tractors, three wheel pick-ups (very slow), potholes, massive speed bumps and i'm sure i'm forgetting some. Plus re-learning how to drive a standard (all cars here) in the midst of it all!
There's no talking on the cell phone or looking down to change the radio station--you'll surely hit something:) We don't feel like we are in danger really because the traffic moves so slow, if you hit something or something hits you the impact won't be too great. But it's more frustrating than anything. To get out of our apt. complex onto the main road we can't cross over the median to take a right turn toward the city. So we have to go left and sit in 10-20 minutes of traffic just to make a u-turn to go in the right direction:) Things like that. But you know what? it is so nice just to have a vehicle and we are so thankful that we can drive! I think most foreigners feel incapable (which is why they hire drivers) so it is nice to be able to manage it!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Driving in India
Posted by Colette Frazier at 8:46 AM
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4 comments:
YAY! we're so glad you got a car!
We're also praying for your driving safety!
Ah, the brave, yet crazy :), Fraziers. Maybe you should wear football helmets when you drive...you know? Extra padding :)
Colette -
Just be very aware of the traffic laws, etc. We here in Bangalore DO have a driver, not because we feel incapable, but because we are aware of the potential consequences of an accident, especially when a foreigner is involved! Please be very careful, both in driving and in making assumptions about another's culture and ways of doing things. Otherwise, I've enjoyed following your blog. Best of luck.
Dear Anonymous,
i'm so sorry if i offended you. i actually feel very incapable while driving!! i loathe it:) if we could afford a driver i'd give over the wheel in a heartbeat! when you're forced to do it--you just have to deal with the stress of it. I understand what you are saying about culture and laws. I was just referring to some of the comments from other ex-pats that have said that's why they don't drive--don't think they could handle the stress--i don't blame them! thanks for reading!!
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