I was waiting for the bus today at the bus stop nearby. It had just begun to rain, and it was getting colder and darker. It's autumn, and yellow, orange, and red leaves cover the paths and the roads. It's a lovely sight to watch how nature changes its course at the right time no matter what humans are up to. It was evening, and people were getting back home after a busy day at the office. Cars of all shapes and sizes and colors were flocking the road, and mostly only one person was traveling in most of the vehicles. I was observing the cars and the people inside them very carefully.
They all were driving behind one another in one lane. No one seemed to be in a hurry to overtake the other. There was no honking from any driver. It seemed like a paradox. People were eager to get back home, but their eagerness did not translate into a rash or irresponsible driving. It was a smooth ride, a very disciplined process that automatically comes to them, I think. A small accident happened on the busy road. Both cars stopped right at the bus stop. Calls were made to the police, and both parties waited very patiently for the police to arrive. There was no heated argument, there was no blame game. It was a great example of responsible behavior on the part of both parties. Within that time, the bus arrived, and as the place was blocked by both the cars, the driver very quietly changed lanes and went his way. Thankfully no passenger was getting down on that stop, or else it would have created a little commotion there. I was interested to see the response of the bus driver in case passengers were alighting at that stop. But, unfortunately, I missed that chance. The traffic flow was steady, and the bus moved ahead in the lane, leaving both the cars behind.
All this set me marveling at the patience and discipline of the German drivers. Being brought up into the system where most of the things are perfect and systematic, it is but natural for a person to abide by all the rules and regulations of traffic. Utmost respect is given to the pedestrians while crossing the road, even on zebra crossings. Then the cyclists come into the picture, and the last on the scene are the people in cars. Be it a Mercedes or a Porsche or an Audi. Everyone stops at the red light and allows people to cross. Everyone gives way to people on the zebra crossing. An ambulance is given the ultimate respect, and I have seen many times the way cars give way to the ambulance no matter how busy the roads are. Things taught in the textbook do not just remain there, they are very much a part of their consciousness now.
Suddenly, my bus arrived, and a hilarious incident took place with me while getting into it. I shall narrate it tomorrow for you. I am still laughing thinking about that incident. I am sure you will love it too!
Signing off for the day from a rainy Karlsruhe in Germany.
Goodnight!
They all were driving behind one another in one lane. No one seemed to be in a hurry to overtake the other. There was no honking from any driver. It seemed like a paradox. People were eager to get back home, but their eagerness did not translate into a rash or irresponsible driving. It was a smooth ride, a very disciplined process that automatically comes to them, I think. A small accident happened on the busy road. Both cars stopped right at the bus stop. Calls were made to the police, and both parties waited very patiently for the police to arrive. There was no heated argument, there was no blame game. It was a great example of responsible behavior on the part of both parties. Within that time, the bus arrived, and as the place was blocked by both the cars, the driver very quietly changed lanes and went his way. Thankfully no passenger was getting down on that stop, or else it would have created a little commotion there. I was interested to see the response of the bus driver in case passengers were alighting at that stop. But, unfortunately, I missed that chance. The traffic flow was steady, and the bus moved ahead in the lane, leaving both the cars behind.
All this set me marveling at the patience and discipline of the German drivers. Being brought up into the system where most of the things are perfect and systematic, it is but natural for a person to abide by all the rules and regulations of traffic. Utmost respect is given to the pedestrians while crossing the road, even on zebra crossings. Then the cyclists come into the picture, and the last on the scene are the people in cars. Be it a Mercedes or a Porsche or an Audi. Everyone stops at the red light and allows people to cross. Everyone gives way to people on the zebra crossing. An ambulance is given the ultimate respect, and I have seen many times the way cars give way to the ambulance no matter how busy the roads are. Things taught in the textbook do not just remain there, they are very much a part of their consciousness now.
Suddenly, my bus arrived, and a hilarious incident took place with me while getting into it. I shall narrate it tomorrow for you. I am still laughing thinking about that incident. I am sure you will love it too!
Signing off for the day from a rainy Karlsruhe in Germany.
Goodnight!
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