Drive safely
H. Kishie Singh

THE accompanying photographs tell a story. Let’s do a Sherlock Holmes and see what could have happened. The brake marks are about 100 metres long, ending abruptly at Matka Chowk, about the largest roundabout we have in Chandigarh. This means the car — Honda V. Tec — was moving at more than 115 km p.h. This would indicate the driver had little or no reaction or think time. (See last Good Motoring chart on stopping distance).

The skid marks are uneven. Left tyres are digging into the tarmac more than the right tyres. This could mean a couple of things. Brakes were not evenly matched. The right hand brakes started to work much later. Why? The brakes were not in A1 condition (also mentioned in the last column). The uneven braking could also mean that the weight had shifted onto the left side of the car. Why? Car was being steered towards the right. Wrong move! Why? The driver in a panic decision made the wrong move. It happens all the time. Panic decisions are almost invariably wrong and detrimental to all concerned. The driver was not in control of the car or his senses. Why? Probably because of alcohol. It was a late-night accident.

The accident was also one that resulted in of the worst types of impact. It is referred to as a three-quarter off-set impact, as opposed to a full-frontal collision. In a full frontal accident, the entire front end meets the obstacle and takes the impact. The car is designed for this. The bumper, front end, mudguard bonnet and sub-frame, all with built-in crumple zones, absorb the impact. The driver and passengers remain cocooned in a safe shell.

In a three-quarter impact the entire collision force is concentrated at one point, in this case the right headlight area took the entire brunt of the impact.

The shock waves that are sent through the entire frame in such an impact are greater than what they would have been in a full frontal impact.

Coming to a purely a hypothetical point. Had there been an ABS braking system in the car would it have stopped on time? Could the car have taken a sharp left turn at that high speed? Remember, the ABS system, is helpful to a point. It’s the driver who has to be in control. If the driver has no control of the car, ABS will not be of much help.

Also keep in mind that if the car manufacturer is offering ABS as an option — take it. It is the equivalent of a passive safety device. You never see it, but you may experience it. Faced with a tight situation You may, really appreciate it. It’s the safest braking system available today.

The photograph on the right tells an even more horrifying story. The windscreen has taken a bash — from the inside! Only one conclusion, and you don’t have to be a Sherlock Holmes to figure this out. This passenger was not wearing a seat belt. And has hit the windscreen with his or her head! An impact of this magnitude can scramble the brain, lead to severe lacerations, and other serious problems.

Some points are abundantly clear from the photographs. The straight in-a-line tyre marks indicate that no attempt was made to take evasive action. Zero reflexes! The driver was not in control of the car. The driver did not see the roundabout. What the eyes (mind?) saw was the black-white warning sign painted on the roundabout wall. He headed straight for it.

This also happens all the time. Often when a vehicle leaves the road, it stops against a tree. In a panic situation (like leaving the road), if the driver sees a tree, he is likely to head straight for it because it gets imprinted on his mind. A driver who is in control of the car would be able to steer it through the trees.

While driving, the driver should be looking for an escape route at all times. If you have to leave the road at speed, head for the bushes. They will act as brakes and bring the car to a halt without too much damage to the car and occupants. Certainly much less than being stopped by a tree.

Another point. These days cars come with laminated windscreens. This makes seat belts a must. Years ago, windscreens were gas-filled. They exploded into a million pieces on impact. This was before seat belts became mandatory. The theory was that in case of an accident, the windscreen would explode and disappear and there was nothing to bash your head into. In this case, had there been no windscreen, and no seat belt the passenger would have catapulted from his seat and gone flying out, bashing head first into the brick wall of Matka Chowk. Ouch! The thought hurts.

There is a simple and basic lesson to be learnt from all this. One — no driving after drinks. Two— wear seat belts at all times. Three — wear a helmet on a two-wheeler!

Elementary, my dear Watson!

Happy motoring, and a happy New Year!