Driving in Hyderabad ! Read this !!

Inspiration for this post came from two places. One was a needless accident of a DC cab with a motorcycle (Thankfully no one died !! ). Second was a post on a similar topic by prad of FMS.

People who have been in Hyderabad know about what I am going to write. For others who are about to come to Hyderabad in the near future, this would be a good refresher course.

So Lets begin with the precautions u need to take b4 u step onto your bike or car.

1.Make sure you have a really good helmet or seat belt. This could finally make all the difference.
2.Always carry your identity card in your pocket. Make sure it contains your office/ home phone number and your residential address.
3.A small prayer wouldn’t harm :-)

Once you are ready, step onto your vehicle.

The next question is, Right side or Left side of the Road??

The answer is “Both”.Let me explain.

You basically start from the left, unless it is occupied. In that case, go to the right, unless that is also occupied. Then proceed by occupying the next available gap, as in chess. Just trust your instincts, ascertain the direction, and proceed.

My Tip: Don't drive, but just aim your vehicles in the generally intended direction and trust your instincts. Usually that is sufficient :-)

Stopping at Pedestrian Crossings: Do it at your risk. My advice will be, don't stop at pedestrian crossings just because some fool wants to cross the road. You may do so only if you enjoy being bumped in the back :-))

Pedestrians in Hyderabad have been strictly instructed to cross only when traffic is moving slowly or has come to a dead stop because some minister is in town.

Blowing horn: In most places blowing the vehicle’s horn is considered as a sign of protest, but not in Hyderabad. In fact, blowing horn in Hyderabad is considered a way of expressing your joy and happiness. So the more happy you are, the more you should be blowing your horn :-))

Indian James Bond: This title is unanimously awarded to the RTC Bus drivers of Hyderabad. Yes, they really have “a license to kill”. Always maintain a distance of 1 car between the bus ahead. Don’t assume that the buses would stop only on the left side of the road. The road is theirs; they will stop any where they like. So be prepared.

Most bus passengers are given free passes and during rush hours, there is absolute mayhem. There are passengers hanging off other passengers, who in turn hang off the railings and the overloaded bus leans dangerously, defying laws of gravity. Always, steer clear of these buses by a width of three passengers.

Competing with Buses: Your competitive spirit may want you to compete and overtake the buses, but don’t even think of it. Buses already have stiff competitions from the auto-rickshaws and mopeds. Both these vehicles are nothing more than a small piece of tin fixed with wheels, but they have one thing in common. Both have big EGOS. So better don’t mess with them :-)

One-way Street: When you encounter this signboard, don’t worry. What this board means in Hyderabad is that you can’t move in both the directions at the same instant. You can move in any but only one direction :-)

Night Driving: Night Driving must be undertaken at your own risk. Avoid it as much as possible. While driving at night you have to have the utmost concentration. If a vehicle is coming in the opposite direction in the next lane, any assumptions that it would continue in the same lane could prove fatal :-))

Tight Situation : While you are driving in Hyderabad, you will encounter many situations when a BUS tries to overtake you from the left and a Auto Rickshaw tries to beat you from the right. When you are in this situation, it is in your best interest to continue in your own path without slowing down. The Bus and the rickshaw have the requisite experience and they will find their own way out :-))

Finally, Understand this: Hyderabad’s roads broadly operate within the domain of karma where you do your best, and leave the results to your insurance company (Provided you are insured--highly recomended if you have to drive in Hyderabad).

FootNote : I have been living in Hyderabad for over 8 years now and I am yet to see a car without a dent :-).