India Driving Protocol

In the computer world we have the concept of "protocols". A protocol is an established set of rules for communication between computers. I think I have discovered the "protocol" that governs how to drive in India.

• A vehicle is road-worthy if it has a horn. There is no other requirement. 
• If no one else is there you can use any part of the road.
• If you get there first you have the right of way.
• If someone gets there before you then they have the right of way and you must yield. This includes letting them back in when they are passing.
• One quick "beep" of the horn generally means, "Hey, I am here."
• A succession of beeps or one long beep means, "You are doing something I don't like." Typically this happens when a vehicle stops in the traffic flow causing a backup.

This may be an over-simplification but I think it generally holds true and covers most circumstances. Everyone seems to work together on the road for the greater good: getting everyone where they want to go quickly and safely.