I have been trying for the month to somehow codify the rules which govern the roads in India. It has taken that long to sample both the town/city roads as well as the twisting ones in the Western Ghats (the mountains). Here are the rules as much as I can tell:
1. Drive on the left side of the road................. If convenient. If not use the other side particularly when approaching a blind corner in the mountains.
2. Pass all vehicles going slower than you. This is obligatory! Speed up to do this, if required.
3. On two lane roads, the middle lane is the passing lane, to be used by vehicles going in either direction, and by both if desired.
4. On two lane roads in town, the two outside lanes (numbers 4 and 5) are for the convenience of drivers who wish to drive in the opposite direction of those driving in the two main lanes (1 and 2). This also helps to confuse pedestrians who may have the temerity to try to cross the road. The Indian driver is obligated to prevent the crossing of roads.
5. Use of horns: this is the most essential piece of equipment in an Indian vehicle, such that many "rickshaws" (3 wheeled motorized taxis) have at least two. The appropriate use of the horn can be a religious experience causing 2 buses passing in the two lane road coming toward you to disappear! At least, they do when Joy closes her eyes. I am convinced that there is a code involved in the proper signalling with the horn, but a lot of times it seems to be just for the shear ecstasy brought on by the sound. Having honked, an Indian driver achieves a state of invulnerability and can drive anywhere.
6. Pedestrians: although we observed no fatalities, I am sure that walking on or near a road is a recognized form of belated birth control and may even be government sanctioned. It is the sworn duty of every Indian driver to ensure that these poor, misguided fools are fearful for their lives every time they venture near pavement. After all, they should be in vehicles and joining in the fun!
7. We had quite a chuckle over the sign in Pondicherry cautioning people to wear helmets. Of the thousands of motorcycles and scooters streaming by like the continuous flow of a river, we would observe very occasional compliance (maybe .0001%).
I hate to possibly insult any of the wonderful people of India and I am certain that not all Indian drivers follow these rules, we just haven't met him yet. These are just from our observations of actual drivers on five relatively lengthy, and generally terrifying, drives.
Jim
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