Following traffic rules? Then you are God!

I have really tried following traffic rules in Delhi, but have failed miserably. The reasons are as under.

Congested roads

The roads are so congested (disproportionately packed) that lane driving is impossible. Even if you try you will fail miserably, as the trail of vehicles running in sequence in lanes will burst the previous signal leaving no space for new cars - making the signal behind totally defunct.

Diverse Traffic Mix

All kinds of traffic are running together, some motored, some running on human power. The motored ones are of different sizes, and all using the same lanes. The human power vehicles are sometimes loaded with goods protruding from all five sides. In order to dodge them, you must be the expert who drives in the "well of death" - an act performed by experts in a circus.

Common Lanes for Turning

There are no special lanes in the road for turning traffic. All lanes are shared by all. Sometimes, an attempt is made to segregate it by creating barriers, but mostly it does not work as it get damaged quickly. Therefore, you are always at the mercy of the guy in front (or on the sides), for you to be able to turn or switch lanes.

Faulty Unsynchronized Signals

A signal failure leads to total chaos, as no one is ready to wait. All are in a hurry, and some get into the wrong lane and block all traffic coming from the other side - leading to a stalemate situation. Predicting this possibility all "sense of gratitude" is lost. After waiting for some time we get a sense of relief on arrival of a traffic constable. He somehow shows up miraculously. But to our dismay, the situation becomes worse. Why? He does no timekeeping, put keep passing traffic based on his instinct - creating a domino effect on the traffic coming from behind.

Rules Apply to Some

As per motor vehicle act, some human power vehicles like cycles are exempted from following rules. But they share the same road. They have total freedom to do whatever they want. It is your responsibility to make sure that you save yourself from their onslaught, and if you are lucky you might as well. But not without offering true prayers to almighty.

No Cameras to Prove Offence

No cameras are installed (not even at important junctions) so that it can act as a deterrent and save you from an enthusiastic traffic inspector wanting to make a quick buck. If caught, you are at his mercy. The onus is totally on you to prove in the court that you were innocent. But the process is so tedious, you pay the fine (even something more) to dismiss the case on the spot. The discretionary power of prosecution has increased disproportionately with the recent SC directive of impounding license for 3 months, even after the 1st violation.

Roads are Malls

40 to 50% of the road is occupied by hawkers and beggars. Some even try performing acts which are generally performed in the circus by experts. These are like "sachet packs" - perfectly timed just enough for the signal to go from Red to Green. Also, the guy driving in front of you might be busy shopping. You have to wait and pray they clear your way in time before you are able to drive forward.

Construction is a Norm

I hardly remember a time when I drove from point A to B without finding any ongoing construction work. These are perpetual. While they are in the process, they create some temporary bypass lanes. These are small and hard to navigate - leading chaos and confusion.

Still claiming to follow traffic rules? You are worthy of worship, as you are the God.