In the UK, motorcyclists are sometimes the ones who bear the brunt of poor driving – mainly because they can be difficult to see, but sometimes because car drivers aren’t as vigilant as they could be. But if in the UK motorcyclists are at risk from larger vehicles, in India, it is the pedestrians that have to deal with questionable driving – but not from car drivers – from motorcyclists!
The notion of ‘pedestrianisation’ is a very European one, and you won’t find it very much on the streets of Delhi or Mumbai or Calcutta. In fact, as a pedestrian you really have to keep an eye out for rogue motorcyclists and scooter riders. To make it easier to detect their presence, motorcyclists and scooters users tend to keep their hands on the horn at all times – creating a level of horn usage that makes even central London seem like a gentle stroll through Hyde Park.
The Indians use their horn – not because there is any particular threat – but simply to let other traffic know (human or otherwise) that they are there, and that they may run into you if you don’t watch out.
Driving in India is a completely different affair compared to that of the UK – both for pedestrians and motorcyclists, something that is evidenced in many ways. Luxuries such as motorbike breakdown cover – and similar precautionary measures – are not at the forefront of the Indian motorcyclist’s mind.
Despite this chaotic approach to driving, there appear to be very few accidents. This might be because ‘road rage’ is not a common problem. However, to the European eye, a few more traffic lights and zebra crossings would not go amiss!