Ever wondered why rickshaw drivers sit on the edge their seat?
By Team Asianet Newsable | First Published Jul 29, 2016, 6:03 AM ISTAuto rickshaws are the most common means of transport in India. It is also a popular travel option among foreign tourists.
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But, have you ever noticed that most auto rickshaw drivers sit on the right edge of their seats? Many of us never bothered to find out the mystery behind it but a query on Quora asking the same attracted a lot of attention.
Shivin Saxena, who claims to have more than 20 years of experience travelling in auto rickshaws, had the same doubt. So one day he went ahead and asked an auto rickshaw driver why he preferred to sit at the edge of the seat. His answer went viral and garnered nearly a million views.
Most drivers laughed it off, but some pointed out a few reasons.
- When they learn to drive a rickshaw, someone is usually sitting next to them in the driver's seat and so they are used to driving while sitting at the edge of the seat.
- The intense heat from the engine is another reason why they frequently change their positions.
- One of them said that he was sitting on the edge to take in an extra passenger.
- It's much faster to hop out in case of an emergency or honk the horn, which is mounted on the right-hand side of the rickshaw's frame.
Mudit Kandpal, another traveller who saw the question on Quora, rode around for eight kilometres and spoke to a couple of auto rickshaw drivers for their perspective. Kandpal claimed that most drivers found the question funny, but gave reasonable answers. Here's what he found:
DRIVER 1 : Arey bhai! If I don't sit at the corner how will I carry extra passengers like you when the back seat is full.
DRIVER 2 : It's better to remain at one position Instead of moving again and again to accommodate passengers.
DRIVER 3 : What nonsense, Its not a habit but a requirement. Just to make some extra cash.
DRIVER 4 : Sitting on one side actually helps in balancing the rickshaw. It is not a heavy vehicle like a car or a bike.
So that is one minor mystery we can consider somewhat solved. In case you have any doubts, here is a video on auto rickshaw driving lessons:
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