The
taxi driver was very smartly dressed spoke English and drove exceptionally well,
meaning observing all road rules, etiquette and respecting all the other road
users.
I was
impressed. The one point he ignored was the use of traffic indicators. I
complimented him on his driving and pointed out that if he used his indicators
his driving would be near perfect.
He
was thrilled, thanked me with folded hands and gave me this explanation,
"Sahib jee, I am a retired fauji. I drove jeep, one ton, three ton, C.O.
Sahib's car. I also fought two wars. In India, driving a car is war. In war,
you don't tell the Dushman your next move. That's why I don't use indicators!
"
Good
sound reasoning that!
The
driver also took a longer route. I thought it was to run up the meter a few
extra kilometres, a few extra rupees. I pointed this to him.
"Sahib
jee, longer route less traffic, much safer and faster. Only 10-15 rupees
difference, but good for you and me. And less congestion on the main city roads!"
Again,
made sense.
"Sahib
jee, you travelling at good time.” It was 1100 hours, fauji time.
"Office hours very crowded and dangerous 0700 to 1000 hours. Youngsters on
motor cycles speeding because they are late. Jumping red lights, overtaking
from left. No discipline. Big boss in office telling driver, jaldi karo,
meeting hai! Arey bhai, why not wake up early, leave early!
I
start work at 0500. Airport, railway station, ISBT. Good for business. Little
traffic. I break for rest and breakfast at 0830. Office traffic over. Then I
drive all day till 1800 hours. Again, stop to let office traffic finish. Going
home commuters very bad traffic. Always in hurry to get home. Bad day in
office, angry mood, aggressive driving. Road rage cases maximum in evening.
Most fatalities at this time also. People tired, physical energy gone. Make
foolish mistakes!
"In
the morning people fresh, thinking good, but not in the evening. Also as
darkness come, moods change. Drivers angry! I can tell by the look on
their face as they overtake me. Many give me two finger salute or shake fist!
Why? I am a slow driver. 40 kmph no more. Good fuel average, safe in collision,
no fatigue for me. Me, no accident in fourteen years! Car look like new.
"After
2100 hours new danger on road, drunk drivers on road. Bad drivers,
indisciplined and drunk! You need Baba jee di full kirpa!"
"Corona
was bad time. Lock down and curfew. No passengers. I drive my taxi as
ambulance. Old people must go to hospital, ladies with baby must go to doctor.
I took for free.
"Some
gurdwaras served langer, I did seva and ate there. Baba jee di full
kirpa!"
Not
only was he a good driver, he was an exceptional human being. A veritable encyclopaedia
on safe driving, understanding people and having a healthy respect for all road
users.
So
what if he did not use his indicators. Emily White did and look what happened
to her.
On a
trip to England, I went to visit my friend David in Yorkshire. David was my
co-driver on my London-Delhi overland drive.
Yorkshire
is a beautiful county, so are the people. But they are different, they think
different. They speak English but the fact may escape you.
They
are the only county, situated in the heart of England, who have agitated
for sepration, “Home rule for Yorks!”
They
also have a great sense of humour. One day David took me sightseeing. He took
me to a cemetery! See what I mean about a sense of humour. He did not take me
to the famous Lake District, or to the many castles or quaint villages England
is known for. We went to a cemetery!
It
turned out to be vey educative, informative and interesting. One of the
epitaphs on a tombstone read.
Here lie the bones of Emily White.
She signalled left and then turned right.
R.I.P.