By the horns
By the horns
The city seems full of people in a tearing hurry as they shatter the peace with loud horns discovers Anoop Bharadwaj
Pensioners’ Paradise. The sobriquet that was granted exclusively to Bangalore and now remembered by a few, who’ve witnessed the metamorphosis of the once-peaceful cantonment into a metaphor for mayhem, has nearly sunk into oblivion. Quite rightly so, given the chaos that happens on the roads of the city daily. And let alone the proliferation of two wheelers and taxis, what adds to the irritation is the reckless honking by the drivers. Is everyone in such a hurry that he or she doesn’t care how the others are driving?
I for one wouldn’t outright accept the theory that all are in a tearing hurry to reach their destination. It may be just that the people think it’s their right to sound that horn. Like it’s absolutely necessary to use the horn every time they make the trip, however short it is, and however clear the roads are! Not for a moment would they even think about the extent of inconvenience it causes to the fellow commuters on the road. Cab drivers especially use horns that are shrill enough to shatter eardrums. Though it is understandable that more often than not, they would be ferrying employees of call centres and other BPOs, and that maintaining time is absolutely essential, the extent to which they use the horns speaks of indifference on the part of the drivers.
What is also annoying is that most of the drivers honk even when the traffic is moving smoothly, and maintaining lane discipline!! It is definitely not considerate on their part to force the vehicle in the front to make way for them, when the latter isn’t blocking the traffic at all. There’ve been numerous instances where I’ve seen some riders blasting the horn away in absolutely calm residential areas.
One couldn’t help but get a feel that the chap behind the wheel is announcing his arrival in a big way.It is sad that there’s no law against reckless use of horns in vehicles. That may not even happen, because it is all subjective, isn’t it? Again one can’t help but make a comparison with the West, where the traffic takes offence to indiscriminate horning on the roads. After all, it takes much more than IT boom to make a superpower of a nation!
Do you have anything to say? About the state of the world, the city, your angst?
posted by The Bangalorean @ 10/30/2007 09:47:00 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
We need to organize a 'No Horn Day' in Bengaluru. We need this to be organized at least once a month initially.
Damn good idea!Maybe a FM station with some print tie up can try it....
I do not think a "no horn day" would make a difference to be honest. Feasibility is the big word here. Can you imagine Yes, there are people who feel it absolutely necessary to press the horn instinctively even if the situation does not call for it. However, there are times (most times) when you cannot help it because people drive like maniacs and so if you do not press your horn chances are they will hit you or vice versa. I think there needs to be more organized traffic with more cops/lights/clear signs/good roads. Then part of the frustration will be lifted. In addition GOOD public transportation is key to any city easing its traffic to be honest. Most people own a vehicle coz the PTS is so ineffective. Solve that and half your problem is taken care of. A passive approach of NO Horn Day will not work. Believe me.
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