Driving in Mumbai

It's been almost a year that I've been driving in Mumbai but the experience in the last few monsoon weeks has been the worst of all. The other day I drove for over five and a half hours (in three sessions- - Powai to BKC to Jogeshwari [via Powai] and back to Powai), travelling a distance of less than 50 kms. And day before yesterday (Sunday), I nearly escaped a fatal accident (near Crawford Market) - a taxi driver hit on the front bumper of my car b'coz the wipers of the cab were not working properly.

While pondering over the incident (a speeding taxi hitting the car on the right side), the following thoughts, of what driving in Mumbai actually is, struck my mind:

1. No matter how well you drive, there would always be a few errant drivers to ensure that your car has a few scratches and dents.

2. Even if you drive recklessly at times, there would be a few souls who would ensure saving their as well as your vehicle from damage.

3. 'Bumper to bumper driving' is a literal expression.

4. Bumpers are meant for scratches and dents. You can see a car without any scratches on the bumpers only in a showroom.

5. Once in a while you would come across speed-breakers to make you realize that your car needs some extra ground clearance and that an SUV is actually meant for cities in India.

6. Maintain safe distance from female drivers (only when they are driving). With little observation, you can invariably identify a car parked by a female driver.

7. Cars used by motor training schools and those having the 'L' sticker have every right to halt in the middle of the road, that too when you least expect them to.

8. Car manufacturers have provided the flexibility of adjusting the wiper speed but the flexibility of intensity of showers in Mumbai can obviously beat them.

9. In crowded streets, the side mirrors of the vehicle serve the purpose of honking.

10. You'll come across a traffic police, ready to be bribed, at least once every quarter.

11. The shortest route generally takes the longest time to cover.