Traffic Signals and Road Protocol
Be careful to read oncoming traffic signals. Unlike in the West, where blinked headlights ahead indicate a courteous "you first", the norm in India is for the bigger vehicle (no matter how distant) to blink its lights to mean, "Look out. Here I come." The art in these scary encounters is not to guess the rate of approach of the oncoming vehicle but to fix your gaze on the vacant road between you and him, and judge about overtaking on your own terms. Never brave it out on a two-wheeler. When an overtaking vehicle comes at you on the wrong side of the road, forego the histrionics of brandished indignation. Brake and move on to the verge.
In Indian roads, might is right. If you are driving a car, you have to give way to a bus whether you like it or not. A two-wheeler has to give way to a car and pedestrian to the two-wheeler. Zebra crossings and overbridges exist but are largely ornamental. Traffic rules are not so much flouted as improvised upon and the trick is to suspend Aristotelian logic and apply animal instinct. Assume at any time the vehicle in front of you can swerve either side (without signals) or stop suddenly (for no reason) without warning. Hand signals are rare and arms waved out of the window only signify a conversational point being driven home. In spite of the causal traffic flow and the almost certain chance of receiving a friendly dent on your wing, Indian driving lacks the cold meanness you experience in more disciplined countries.

Drive Air-conditioned
Driving in India is made more tiring by noise and air pollution. Inside an air-conditioned car, you are not only cooler but also quieter with the windows sealed. The effect on your mind is dramatic. However, it is important that your driver is not dulled to the dangers that follow total insulation from traffic sounds. He may be apt to go too fast or, if driving too long, become a trifle befuddled from the air-conditioning. The subtle arrogance that goes with an air-conditioned car has to be guarded against, and in quieter parts, it is a good idea to command the driver (otherwise he won't listen) to wind down the windows and breathe normally for a while.