Honking is considered rude the world over but it seems a must do thing in India. We love to blow our “trumpet” the moment we hit the road. Honking has a purpose — that of preventing two vehicles from a possible mishap, but its usage has gone beyond the point of acceptance, especially in big cities like Delhi.
Resultantly, German carmaker Audi makes special horns for its vehicles sold in India. In a recent interview Michael Perschke, Audi’s country director, informed that the amount people honk in Mumbai on a daily basis is what an average German does on an annual basis.
Why do we honk so much, why do honking etiquettes go missing even with a prudent driver and why can’t everyday be a no honking day?
Honking is a need in our country, says Youth4Cause’s Karthik N. “If we remove horns from all the vehicles for one day, the accidents will be 10 times more than what it is today. People don’t care to follow traffic rules and with our poor infrastructure, it becomes a necessity,” says Karthik, who cycles to work three days a week. He faces a volley of constant honking because motorists don’t want him cycling on the regular road. “In a way they are correct. I am not supposed to ride on a regular road with a less fast vehicle. But do I have a option? So everything has a reason,” he justifies.
However others feel that most do it for different purposes. “I have a friend who honks to the tunes of his favourite songs. He does it for fun. Some believe that be it on the road or be it in life, the guy who honks his horn the loudest gets his right of way,” explains blogger Achint Narayan.
Sometimes honking is akin to seeking attention and less to do with clearing the way. It is also a means to release one’s frustration and pent up anger in the chaotic traffic. “Honking is like a screaming baby as in cities traffic moves at a slow pace. There should be at least one no honking day in a week and heavy penalty should be imposed for honking in residential areas,” suggests finance executive Rajesh Randhawa.