The great benefit that one derives from driving in Delhi is improving one's reflexes. You have to be sharp and react quickly. For example the driver just in front of you may decide to do one of so many things. He or she could signal a left turn and turn right, or do the opposite, or could brake suddenly for no apparent reason (he forgot his turn some metres behind and just remembered so what else to do but stop!) and so on. If you presumed that just because the driver was clipping away at a steady pace on a clear road in front of you and braked suddenly making ur front bumper just kiss his rear bumper - you had it ! Obviously you are at fault, he didnt hit you - you did ! Then you have to contend with other forms of transport on the roads besides cars, the scooters or autos ( these are the original Spitfires of the Battle of Britain reborn on the streets of Delhi) the motorcyclists, the cyclists - the list is endless. The other thing one must learn very quickly on the roads of Delhi is to distinguish the registration numbers of the other vehicles. If the registration starts with an "HR" means that the vehicle belongs to a neighbouring state well known for the rags to riches story and the wild arrogance of new money - traffic rules ??? whats that ???!!! I own this road ! The other registration, which one must treat with as much respect as a truck or bus is the one which starts with "UP". Please do remember that with a "UP" registration the driver has double "O" status. If you happen to mess around with one of those you may just realise that its a literal case of "have gun will travel". Then there are registration numbers which are not painted on a white background plate but yellow. God help you if the yellow plate has a an "HR" or better still a "UP" number ! But I like these guys they are the only ones who can make a match out of a game with the trucks or buses. Dont ever for a minute think that you could afford to be courteous on the roads of Delhi - all of us Delhi drivers derive great perverse pleasure in oppressing the "courteous " which in our lexicon is the same as "weak". Any signs of weakness on the roads of Delhi and you may as well stay at home or ride a taxi. For example if you are stupid and foolish enough to allow someone to overtake you ( unless its a bus or truck - in which case you go absolutely to the farthest side of the road slow down and let him pass) be sure that as he passes you by he may side swipe you or run you off the off the road !
(To be continued)
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