Dakshina Kannada district (Mangalore to most of you) is served by fast and efficient private bus services. The bus drivers on this route honk their horns for the following reasons:

1. To tell vehicles ahead that they intend to overtake
2. To tell vehicles coming from behind that the latter can overtake.
3. To tell vehicles coming from behind that the latter can’t overtake.
4. To warn vehicles coming from the other side not to hit them.
5. To greet drivers of buses coming from the other side.
6. To call people waiting in their houses, just in case they wish to catch the bus.
7. To express happiness and joy at finding a good, open and empty road
8. To pay homage at one of the many temples that dot the route.
9. To call the faithful to prayer at one of the many mosques that dot the route.