I learnt to drive a car for the first time in 2001, just before I left for the US. Unfortunately, for the three years that I stayed there, I never drove. Still, I was usually the navigator whenever my 'gang' went on trips, so that gave me a good idea of how people drive on US roads.
Now, back in Bangalore, I am taking driving classes again, and man!, the things my instructor is teaching me are simply crazy. US or not, if this is the way people learn to drive, they will definitely cause accidents...here are a few gems:
- I am driving somewhere in the centre of the road and want to turn left. So, I quickly looked back and checked my 'blind-spot'. This brihaspathi tells me - "Yaak saar hindhe noodthaa iddira? Mundhe noodi!" [Why are you looking backwards!? Look ahead!]
- I am driving on the left lane on Bellary Road when a truck is parked right in front of me. I am in fourth gear and driving at around 45-50 (tell me if that itself is right), so I slow down, switch to third gear, turn on the right indicator to say that I am switching to the right lane. What does this guy say? "Yaak saar indicator haaktheera, right thirig baeka? Sumne kai thoorsi." [Why do you turn on the indicator? Do you want to take a right turn!? Simply show your hand!]
- I take a turn into a road that has a hospital on it. My road is blocked by an auto, with the driver sitting in it. So, I politely honk once. He (the auto driver) looks back and acknowledges, but is unable to start his vehicle. So, our pal takes over the steering and starts honking like he is in a noise-competition! To h*ll with the hospital and the patients!
I'll post more as I find time.
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3 comments:
Good luck with your driving Gops. Driving a car in Bangalore is the most tension filled activity. Its no more a means to commute to work, it is the work! One of the things I have noticed is the itch the people have to get past you, no matter whether they are in a hurry or not. The time difference between the traffic light turning green and the honk from the guy behind you is getting down to nanoseconds. And honk has become a compusive control - like clutch->gear->accelerator->honk (repeat)! The more your average speed, the more your hand should be in the honk is the mantra.
Great Post and great comment, yes, I too had similar experiences :)
But then way back in 2000, traffic was slightly lesser and more importantly, I had not driven anywhere else, so I just followed whatever the instructor was telling me :).
Thanks Karthi, H, for your comments...
Vikram, some replies to your comments:
1) I wasn't trying to look back while changing lanes - I was trying to turn 'into a left road' from the centre lane, on Bellary road. Now, I can't clearly see 1/2 of my left side, so, what do I do? Simply turn and let the guy behind handle the situation?
2) No problem with kai thoorsi. Just the problem with the fact that he assumes right indicator means you want to 'turn' right as opposed to 'move' right too! And as far as the 'basics' are concerned, I do turn on the indicator, and show my right hand when I take a turn.
3) Totally agree on the honking part. BTW, need to see the movie...is it good?
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