While in Hyderabad, I determined a number of unwritten rules of the road. If you plan to drive, walk or travel by road in India. Its important to keep the following in mind:
Rule 1: Driving within the designated lanes is strictly forbidden. Creating your own lanes is expected.
Rule 2: Cows should always be given right of way. Humans, especially children, should not.
Rule 3: Red lights means go. Green light means go.
Rule 4: Disregard all traffic signs. They have no meaning.
Rule 5: Disregard all traffic cops. They have no power.
Rule 6: Driving on the wrong side of the road as well as the curb especially when there is oncoming traffic or pedestrians is okay.
Rule 7: Whenever possible, merge your vehicle into the space of the vehicle next to you. Honk to let them know you are coming and then hope for the best.
Rule 8: Take more risks when you are driving a smaller, less-protected vehicle. Turning in front of oncoming dump trucks is generally acceptable.
Rule 9: Do whatever it takes to get around the vehicle in front of you. The more dangerous the maneuver, the better.
Rule 10: Roads are to be shared equally between humans, rickshaws, animals, bicycles, tractors, trucks, cars, two-wheelers, push-carts, and vendors alike.
Rule 11: Equally as important, the road is intended for multiple purpose including but not limited to driving, parking, retailing, disposing of garbage, animal herding, and defecation.Just like the 22 officials languages of India, the rules of the road differ from region to region. But no matter where you are or in what type of vehicle you are driving, there is one method that never seems to fail: simply close your eyes, honk in excess and floor it.
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