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o you ever feel like taking a drive just to escape the daily grind, only to ditch the idea and dive straight into the comfort of your sofa instead? Many of us do this to stay sane and safe — by staying at home — instead of heading out onto the battlefield that’s Lahore’s traffic.
From childhood, we are fascinated by cars and motorcycles of different shapes, sizes and colours rolling through the streets. While 18 years is the legal age to learn driving, get a licence, and hit the road to feel liberated, we often see underage children behind the wheel.
I grew up watching people around me follow traffic rules and ensure that their driving licences were renewed on time. I learnt to drive rather late, but made sure to follow in their footsteps so I wouldn’t be a hazard to others.
The first time I drove a car was in 2019. It felt as if I had broken my shackles. But my excitement was short-lived, as driving in Lahore is an ordeal. No one follows the traffic rules.
An observation: those driving the cheapest or the most expensive vehicles hardly use indicators. Well, everyone on the road seems to be in a rush. They are impatient and reckless. The worst offenders are often those in luxury cars, who seem ready to run over anyone in their path.
As if this isn’t enough, modern cars come with high-beam lights that can blind you in daylight too. If they don’t find a way to overtake you, they will relentlessly use blinkers till you are blinded, forcing you to move out of the way. Trust them to pull right in front of you at the next traffic signal.
People often ignore speed limits in residential areas, despite clear signboards. If they are driving in a one-way street, barely anyone will budge from their position. To avoid confrontation or potential conflict, those who refuse to stoop to that level end up backing off and letting the rule-breakers pass.
Unfortunately, many people ignore speed limits in residential areas, despite clearly posted signboards. If they are driving in a one-way street, barely anyone will budge from their position. To avoid confrontation or potential conflict, those who refuse to stoop to that level, end up backing off and letting the rule-breakers pass.
Last but not the least, in case of a major accident the traffic police suddenly spring into action, handing out fines for violations. Soon things are back to square one.
We also have the e-challan system, thanks to the Safe City cameras, but just how useful those cameras are is for all to see.
It’s important not to forget the psychological and emotional impact of your daily commutes. Have you noticed that the minute you reach your destination, you let out a big sigh of relief and your muscles start to relax? If you want to punish someone, make them drive in Lahore.
If you are a woman driving in the city, the stress is even higher. But that’s a conversation for another day.
Interestingly, the very same drivers will break no traffic rules when they are driving in a foreign country. They know they cannot get away with it. Heavy fines, arrests and deportations are strong deterrents. I wonder how difficult it is to practice the same in Pakistan.
R Umaima Ahmed is afreelance journalist