One of the many forms of transportation available includes what are called autorickshaws or tuk tuks (same as what they were called in Guatemala). They're small, three wheeled vehicles with a loud exhaust pipe and many run on CNG - compressed natural gas. They're cheaper than taxis and abundant nearly everywhere. Most don't have a solid roof - only a metal frame with plastic stretched over it. Many are highly customized ("pimped out") with shrines, sayings written on the back, and other dangly ornaments hanging off. The night I took the video, we drove past one that said "Shit Happens" in big letters on the back. Not very reassuring. When I get scared of traffic and accidents, I tell myself that it's in the driver's best interest not to get in an accident and remember that he wants to live. At the least, accidents are inconvenient.
Generally, driving here, like in many other countries, is not as organized as in the U.S. and is often (similar to the U.S.) peppered with incessant horn honking. It's encouraged actually. As far as I can tell, one of the main reasons for honking is showing intent to pass. Notice in the video the motorcycles weaving in and out of lanes, often with multiple people who aren't wearing helmets. The most people I've seen on one bike is 5, often 2 parents with 3 small children sandwiched in between. Autorickshaws can be packed to the brim at around 8 people.
Here's a video to give you a little insight -- a short autorickshaw ride in Aurangabad, India at night:
Oh, and seeing a woman driving is a rarity - we (Licia and I) generally point it out to each other when it happens.
Generally, driving here, like in many other countries, is not as organized as in the U.S. and is often (similar to the U.S.) peppered with incessant horn honking. It's encouraged actually. As far as I can tell, one of the main reasons for honking is showing intent to pass. Notice in the video the motorcycles weaving in and out of lanes, often with multiple people who aren't wearing helmets. The most people I've seen on one bike is 5, often 2 parents with 3 small children sandwiched in between. Autorickshaws can be packed to the brim at around 8 people.
Here's a video to give you a little insight -- a short autorickshaw ride in Aurangabad, India at night:
Oh, and seeing a woman driving is a rarity - we (Licia and I) generally point it out to each other when it happens.
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