An Indian who recently returned after living in Canada has shared a striking account of how dangerous driving in India can feel, in a viral Reddit post.
After spending two and a half years in Canada, the Redditor says they naturally follow strict traffic rules learned there, such as stopping before left turns on red lights, respecting the right of way, obeying speed limits, and staying in lane.
However, these habits, which ensured safety abroad, often resulted in abuse and honking in India.
“Why driving in India feels like playing with your life,” the Redditor captioned their post.
In a particularly frightening incident shared, a man on a scooter, without a helmet and wearing earphones, suddenly swerved into their path. Despite driving straight with no indicator on, the rider shouted at the Redditor for not yielding, even though the rider had signaled his turn long before making the move.
“That’s when I realized something: Driving in India isn’t about rules, it’s about survival,” they added.
The Redditor further described treacherous highway conditions due to blinding high beams, and everyday hazards like potholes, stray animals, and sudden pedestrian crossings that turn every journey into a gamble.
Reddit users resonated with the post, sharing similar harrowing experiences on Indian roads. Many agreed that driving in India requires a different approach to survival rather than rule-following.
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(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)