riflekshuns

My Last Ditch Attempt To Fight Boredom

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The Roads Ahead

I was once asked why Chennai(India in general) have just a handful of theme parks. Leave alone the few thrill rides that these 'amusement' parks have to offer. Dude, we've got roads in Chennai. What better thrill ride does one expect?

I've always wondered what a little kid might think while traveling on wheels. 'People do not seem to use the striped region near the signals. Teacher once told me it was a zebra crossing. I guess its strictly for zebras, not people'

'The bright signal lights...I guess red indicates 'Go'. Orange means 'accelerate.go fast' (Li'l, kid..dosent know that its amber). So when will people stop?'

Then there is this 'Mama'(Uncle) with his scooter. Quite a eco-friendly guy he is. Promptly turns off the engine and stops right in front of the 'stop' line. But when the signal turns 'green', he dosent start. He looks around; makes sure that the road is clear; then he turns on the engine and then slowly accelerates. Imagine the fate of motorists at the fag end of the queue. By the time these people come even close to the signal, 'red' flashes again.

In fact, driving on Chennai roads without facing an accident(minor ones included) should replace the age old 'ettu podunga saar. license kidaikkum'(draw the figure 8 and voila! you are permitted to drive on Indian roads).

With the advent of Nano, things are just getting better for the adventure seeker on two wheels. More IT engineers => more Nanos=> more congestion( => more pollution) => need for enhanced maneuvering skills. God save Indian roads.