LONG DRIVES Before commencing to drive, it is better to make sure that your car is in good shape as it saves a lot of time, money and trouble. Check that engine coolant, engine oil and other lubricants are topped up to the proper level. If car service is due, it is better to change engine oil and other lubricants. Check your tyres and inflate them to the recommended pressure. Some prefer to fill nitrogen as it keeps tyre temperatures lower compared to air which heats up very quickly. Ensure that all documents are in order and the car is equipped with first aid kit, mineral water etc. You should plan your trip before you leave. It is a good idea to carry maps for more detailed local directions. You should plan your trip before you leave. It is a good idea to carry maps for more detailed local directions.
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TIREDNESS KILLS Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you set off. Travel at a reasonable time of the day, when you wouldn’t normally be asleep. If you leave early in the morning or late at night you’re much more likely to doze off. Take breaks within 2 to 3 hours of drive and don’t drive more than 10 – 12 hrs a day. If you notice any signs of fatigue symptoms like shifting position, neck pain, yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes and restlessness, pull over and take a break. To keep driving without a break can be disastrous. As micro sleep cannot be averted, falling asleep behind wheels, for 4 seconds a car travelling at 80 km/hr will travel almost 100 meters during this short time, completely out of the driver’s control – seriously scary. Better park safely and take power nap. |
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LANE DRIVING IS SANE DRIVING
If you’re driving you should stay in the left lane unless overtaking. If there are three lanes and the left lane is occupied by slower speed than you, stay in the middle lane. The right lane is generally reserved for overtaking so move out of it as soon as it is safe. You can’t overtake across a solid line, unless the line closest to you is broken. But remember, just because a line is broken it doesn’t mean it’s safe to overtake. You have to judge the circumstances for yourself.
OVERTAKING You must have a clear view of any approaching traffic. Don’t begin to overtake while negotiating gradient, curves or any other situation like narrow road or dip where your view of the road is limited. Care is required, particularly when traffic is heavy. Don’t overtake a vehicle that is slowing down, may be turning or while crossing an intersection. If you have any doubts, don’t overtake. Don’t increase your speed, if you are being overtaken, as this will make the situation more risky for everyone on the road. Keep to the left and allow reasonable space for the overtaking vehicle to pass and move back into the lane. An impatient driver in a line of oncoming traffic is a potential danger. At times they are so close to centre line, looking for the slimmest opportunity to overtake and potentially endangering everyone else on the road. If you see them slow down move as far to the left as much safely you can. |
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ROAD RAGE
You could lose a lot more than your temper if you get tangled in ‘Road rage’ situation. This may be verbal abuse, rude gestures, aggressive driving (like tailgating or braking suddenly), threats and physical assaults. It’s important to remember the dangers of being angry on the road and to keep your cool. Key triggers of road rage are speeding, honking, tailgating, driving too slowly, weave in & out. Competing, distracted, confused driving and Lack of driving etiquettes also cause road rage. This may lead to minor altercation and incidents.
You should remain absolutely cool in the moment of heated atmosphere, even if your anger may seem completely justified. Very soon you will resume journey to your destination and that annoying driver will be gone from your sight. The other driver may be driving slowly because they have a child in the car or perhaps something has gone wrong with their car. It’s not someone else's fault that you are running late or took a wrong turn. Getting angry on the road increases the risk that you will make a mistake and crash. |
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| Always be a courteous driver. Always make sure you drive safely and obey the road rules at all times. If you do make a mistake on the road, even forget to indicate, then raise your hand to say sorry. If you find yourself the target of an angry driver, stay in your car with the doors locked, remain in busy road. Attract attention so that someone can get help. If you are being followed, drive to the nearest booth or station. Write down the registration number of the vehicle. |
DISTRACTIONS “Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel…” Crashes occur as a result of only a moment’s inattention”. Several studies have now confirmed using a mobile hand held or hands free while driving can increase the risk of a collision by four times. So best is to just turn it off. Young drivers have a greater risk of crashing when they are with friends in the car. It is dangerous to fiddle with radio, air-conditioning or windows and changing CD. Drinking with driving even sipping on a non-alcoholic drink, focusing rear view mirrors to have glimpse of inner environment should be avoided. The best idea is to make any adjustments before you set off. The risk of causing a crash is just one more reason not to smoke!
NIGHT DRIVING Night driving has proven to be a challenge for drivers. It is more dangerous during weekends. It’s a lot more difficult at night to predict problems as you might not see the problem until you’re right on top of it. |
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| It’s always advisable to ease off on the accelerator at night, especially during foggy & monsoon months. Make sure all your lights – front light high ease off on the accelerator at night, especially during foggy & monsoon months. Make sure all your lights – front light high and low beam, rear, brake lights are working. On an unfamiliar car, check how to turn on the lights and low to high beam and back. Make sure windscreen is clean. Shift your rear view mirror into night mode. Plan your route. Make sure your lights are ON as it becomes dark and street lights are on. This will improve your visibility. |
If someone dazzles you with their high beam, slow down, move towards the left of your lane and lower your eyes to the road looking ahead with the support of your left beam. Stop if you can’t see where you’re going. Ask the right questions: You have some crucial decisions to make before driving at night. Firstly, ask yourself if you’ve drunk any alcohol? If so, you cannot drive. Secondly, are you tired or are you going to be driving at a time when you’re normally asleep? If the answer is yes then you could be entering the danger zone. Being tired, drowsy and falling asleep is a major factor in fatal night-time crashes.
The glare of lights on the road can make one disoriented particularly if the road is wet. It can be especially difficult to spot lane markings on a rainy night.
Science has also given us some clues about why night driving might be difficult. The eye has night vision cells, which take over from the ordinary colour-sensitive receptors that operate in the daylight. The study confirms that objects detected by the night vision cells appeared to move in slow motion. This means that if we regulate our speed based on what our eyes are telling us – rather than what the speedometer is showing – then we could get into trouble.
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