Illogical Driving

Although i have mentioned before about the eratic nature of driving in India, we recently experienced something which highlights the illogical (some may say bloody stupid) attitudes which produce it. On the way out of hampi, our bus stopped at a level crossing (so far so good, at least it stopped!) In England, and probably every other country, when cars stop at a level crossing they tick to their lanes, enabling, when the barriers lift, both streams of traffic to move forward. Not so in India. The entire road is filled on both sides of the crossing, so impatient are they to carry on with their journey. That this is completely counter productive does not seem to register. When the barriers lift two lines of traffic- bikes, rickshaws, cars and buses charge at each other like opposing cavalry, resulting in a huge, stationary mass of vehicles honking and swearing at each other but not moving. We watched this unfold in disbelief and not a small amount of amusment! It all seems to be part of the 'every man for himself' attitude in India, despite the fact that things would run a lot more smoothly if everyone just agreed on some basic road rules!