Good Motoring
Simple rules of safe driving
H. Kishie Singh

There are lies, there are damned lies, and then there are statistics!” said Mark Twain. We are used to all three in today’s world. If we are to concern ourselves with statistics in the motoring world, there could be around 1,25,000 people killed on Indian roads this past year. This is a horrifying figure, and India leads the world in road fatalities. The only person who can make our roads safer is you, the driver.

To do this, a driver must observe some of the rules that describe defensive driving. Experience and practice and being alert at all times are a must.

Needless chit-chat, using the cell-phone, adjusting the radio, changing tapes or CDs, eating or drinking while driving are unnecessary distractions and will lead to trouble.

Concentration is vital. Road conditions change all the time. Night driving requires additional skills, as do wet roads. Highway driving, where speeds are higher and every manner of hazard is encountered, requires extra attention. The road itself is a hazard — potholes, boulders, diversions and badly parked trucks are a constant danger. Beware!  Obeying road rules is essential for safe driving.

Keep the outside rear-view mirror open at all times

Defensive driving starts the minute you get into the car. Before starting the engine, engage neutral gear and ensure the hand brake is on. As the engine warms up, fasten seat belts, adjust mirrors and seat. Make sure all doors are closed and locked.

Some drivers don’t lock doors for fear of being trapped inside a locked car. This argument has some validity but the danger of an intruder is greater, especially at night.

In India, expect the unexpected. It is not only other vehicles that pose a danger. Stray cattle, dogs, children and women with bundles of wood on their heads can lead to accidents. Migrant labourers, straight from the village, cross the roads without giving any indication to fast moving vehicles.

In the market place, while parking, look out for the reversing lights on the car ahead of you. Fender benders are a common occurrence.

Never straddle the lines painted on the road. Keep within the lines, not on them. Keeping your eyes straight ahead on the highway leads to tunnel vision. Keep you eyes moving, especially checking the outside rear view mirror. The ORVMs help you to drive safe and defensive. Keep ORVMs open at all times; it is like having eyes at the back of your head.

Give way to traffic on your right. Especially when entering a roundabout or joining a main road. Alcohol and some prescription drugs are a strict no. They may make you drowsy. Anger, fatigue and depression can cause you to drive aggressively, recklessly and carelessly. Avoid driving under these circumstances. Early morning, at dusk, in rain, fog, snow and bad visibility conditions, drive with headlights on, and at low beam. Reduce speed.

Indicators. Most Indian drivers don’t have a notion how to use indicators. Used incorrectly, they cause problems rather than helping the flow of traffic. Hazard flashers are not to be used while on the move. Indicators are not to be used at roundabouts. Stick to your lane. Right indicators do not mean “overtake;” they mean right turn. If you want to give a pass to the car behind you, put on the left indicator and move into the left hand lane, leaving the right hand lane, referred to as the overtake lane, free for the car behind you to pass.

If a driver is too close to your rear end, move over. Let him overtake. Similarly, don’t you get too close to the vehicle in front, especially a heavily loaded truck or a bus. Take it for granted that a bus is going to make sudden stops. Maintain a safe distance.

A great deal of what we see depends on what we are looking for. Indians don’t pay attention to dirt, dogs, beggars, cows or a truck coming down the wrong way. We are immune to such sights. Probably the best advise for being a defensive driver is : Drive as if you owned the other car.

Remember, cars don’t kill people, people kill people.

Wish you a happy and a safe New Year!

Happy motoring.