The Traffic Snarl

Today while returning home in the evening our cab got caught at a traffic signal on our daily route. The stop was not at all long so as to bother us, but our driver had enough reason to become agitated. 

A small old car was in front of us which had a poor pick up; which was evident when it rolled back and touched our vehicle. 

There was no harm since it did no damage either of the cars. And the car then could move forward after two to three efforts. But as per our driver, it is an unforgivable crime of hit and runs. 

He got confused if he should get down to run and catch the other vehicle or he should put the gear and press the pedal to catch it. Almost 15 seconds and he could make our vehicle run. 

I was seated on his side observing all these and realising his dilemma and anguish to punish the defaulter. He was desperately honking and racing behind the smaller car which was on the run. 

The driver of the other car, perhaps the owner himself cared a hell and kept speeding ahead. No brainer that our driver was fuming due to the helplessness he is in when the defaulter did not respond.

He almost hit the other car at the right side trying to dodge it. Then I came to his help, more due to my impulsiveness at the heat of the moment – he should overtake and stop his car in a crossed manner to block the way of the other car.

Bingo!!! He did it and the small car was caught, rather the driver. As expected the fellow was drunk. 

If the police could be taken into confidence, for which one needs to have proper contacts and influences, two cases could have been registered – Drunk and Drive and Hit and run cases.

But such facilities were not available in the scenario. So the argument started and in no time turned into a brawl. In no time few well-wishers intervened and started shouting over those two as if they are the ultimate authority in such matters. 

The whole episode was in the local language which I am not aware of. Hence, I could not participate and had to be a mute spectator.

The incident is not something new. But the question always arises, if I am in a similar situation shall I call the police and report or shall I vent my anger like the above; calling the police comes at an uncertain price and in most of the cases backfires.

Debangshu Chatterjee ©