The Biker Overtaker!
There was an incredible jam on Sarjapur Road this morning. We weren't allowed to enter Tank Bund road from Agara junction side (by a gruff looking cop, who didn't care when I wished him!) and were forced to take the left side main road to reach Jakkasandra. This road was an extraordinary mess as traffic started moving on both lanes and the whole thing jammed within minutes.
I had a black Santro Xing in front of me and he was driving reasonably well, quite patient too. A biker joined him on his left and wanted to overtake him and inch right in front of this Xing. Mr Xing wasn't interested in this charade. He was trying not to let the biker get past him in the extreme right lane - supposedly the speed lane (but who cares/ knows about right of way anyway?). At one point, the biker got desperate and forced himself in, while the Xing was trying his best to keep as close to the bumper of the car in front of him.
And the inevitable happened. Biker grazed Xing, Xing got pissed and stopped the car. Came out and had a hot little chat with the biker. All this while the traffic was moving in inches. I was right behind the Xing watching all this. The cars behind me started honking big time which forced Mr Xing to get back and move a few more inches. Stopped, and got out again for a 2nd chat. The biker didn't look very apologetic at all which put the Xing guy in a totally defensive mode and he winded up getting back to car with a sorry look on his face.
From the courtesy angle, what can you have done to avoid this little drama? How about letting the biker overtake you willingly and also let him know you're doing it consciously....all with that deadly weapon...smile? I let these two-wheelers overtake me by actually smiling at them and letting them overtake me with a wave! Most of them actually take a second look at me and let me go past the next time I have chance to legitimately overtake them on the right.
Try it. Its simple...just let go of your ego for some time and try this! It helps!
7 comments:
Only if all the world thinks the way you think..........but no i guess all of us are in a rat race....racing against each other all the time......funny thing is this type of killer instinct is lacking in most of the Indian cricketers when they take the field to play Australia...
veeradeva: Very well said. We need killer instincts where its required. Not on the roads, since its a place which is only for commuting. And all these strangers we race against on the roads...who are they anyway? What do they mean to us?
I mean what race are we into and what do we get? A moment of 'Yes' triumph...but against anonymous blokes...whats the earthly point. On the other hand, try smiling and letting them go...you're bound to world of difference in the way they treat you then and there...its almost like they get personal suddenly, from being total strangers!
so the next time i see a car driver smile at me, i guess i will introduce myself :)
manuscrypts: :-)))
Actually I always used to wonder what I should do while inside an elevator along with a couple of strangers. Fiddle my fingers...think of something in my mind? I mean these are strangers, I don't have any obligation to greet them...right?
Americans greet total strangers on the road, leave alone an elevator. They smile as the greet! Thats courtesy for you! Being nice to all the folks you know is a given, its how you behave with total strangers perhaps tells yourself what kind of person you are! And guess what, it helps big time, if you learn to do it without looking silly!
Kartik....your blog deals with a very simple issue actually....but it is so very relevant to way we lead life today......i guess the type of restraint you are suggesting people to follow if people do that....accidents will be cut down drastically on the roads.......
The website you run ITWOFS is outstanding.....in fact i was myself thinking in these lines.....and i commend you for the research you have made to find out the lifted songs...i am a very keen browser of your site....it is something very new idea.....and surely an eye opener for many including me.....
I live in Mumbai...but whenever i come to Bangalore would definately want to meet you....
Cheers
Deva
Veeradeva: Thanks dude! Lemme know when you're here!
Karthik, saw your story suggestion on metblogs and came here.
Incidentally, I have very strong feelings on the subject myself. Really want to do something to make things better on our roads - From better courtesy and sense amongst drivers to better support from BCP.
Actually, I got into blogging only to write about traffic etc (some here) and have gotten to know a few like minded people through that. I just started this process of forming a group so that we can all join our energies.
could you drop me an email at silkboard at gmail dot com and we can talk more. thanks!
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