WE have discussed some road signs which, if observed, can bring some order on our roads.

Lane driving is sane driving. We have been told this a million times. If we stick to our lane, driving could be easier and more fun and definitely safer.

Most accidents occur when people switch lanes indiscriminately and without checking the rear-view mirror. A rear-view mirror must be checked regularly, especially when turning or changing lanes.

The accompanying photograph shows a perfectly demarcated road. The stretch between the kerb and the solid white line on the left, is for slow-moving vehicles like cycles, rickshaws and buses. Yes buses! Buses make frequent stops and they have to be next to the kerb. They should not be in the main lane. If a bus moves to the main lane, it will stop to collect or discharge passengers in the main lane. And one wrong move can lead to another. The immediate effect is likely to be the disruption of free flow of traffic. Of course, it also creates a hazard for the driver following the bus and puts the lives of the passengers who get off the bus at risk. It is really a foolish and dangerous move to alight in the middle of a wide road. Thus stopping in the middle of the road, the bus driver not only endangers the passengers but also manages to push the traffic to the right.

From the solid white line to the kerb towards the right side are two lanes — the left-hand and right-hand lane. The left-hand or the centre lane is the main lane or the drive lane. Cars should be driven in this area. The right-hand lane is the ‘overtake lane’. You should not be in this lane all the time.

To ensure smooth and swift driving, drive in the left-hand lane. If you come up behind a slower-moving vehicle, check your rear-view mirrors, especially the mirror mounted outside and then put on the right-hand indicator. This indicates to the following vehicles that you are about to change lanes. The right-hand indicator is not a "pass" signal — quite the opposite.

After you change lanes, overtake quickly and move back into the main lane. Before doing so, use the left-hand indicator, warning the overtaken vehicle that you are changing lanes. If all drivers follow these driving rules, there would be no need to constantly blow your horn, and the drive would be faster, smoother and safer. Driving would be so much more fun.

Here are a few tips for putting fun and safety into driving:

Keep left, keep to your lane. Do not overtake from the left. The only time a left overtake is permitted is when the vehicle in front is about to turn right.

Overtake only when the road is clear, and there is nothing approaching from the opposite side. Do not try and squeeze yourself between the vehicle being overtaken and the oncoming traffic. It’s a very dangerous move.

Good motoring demands courtesies. While you are being overtaken, do not consider it an insult and increase speed. As a courtesy, take your foot off the accelerator pedal for just a moment. This move is recommended for safe driving. Your speed will drop and make the overtake move quick and safe. It is dangerous to be driving side by side with another vehicle at high speed.

At all times, pay heed to the speed limit and drive at a speed at which the car is in control. The speed also has to be set as per the existing road conditions.

Happy motoring!