Safe Driving - Tips

Safety includes you being safe while driving. If you have passengers in the car, then their safety is your responsibility. It also includes the safety of the vehicle and the expensive stuff in it. Taking into account the state of our roads and the kind of driving that takes place, being safe should be right up there on the priority list. So here are some things to help you keep safe.

1. Seatbelts. Thank the government for the regulations, otherwise the manufacturers would have skipped on them too in their endeavor to cut costs. So use them. In an event of a crash, it is the first line of defense.
2. Check the lights. Make sure all the lights are working properly. This includes the indicators, headlamp and tail lamps. Change any bulbs that are in need of replacement immediately. They are of immense help warning the oncoming traffic as well as the traffic behind. Never drive at night if your headlamps are non-functional.
3. Driving position. The seat should be upright and not leaned too far back. To see if you are seated in the correct position put your hands on top of the steering wheel and your wrists should rest on it.
4. Head rest. Don’t remove it just because you want to see better while reversing the car. In an event of a crash, they protect your head from whiplash and prevent spinal injuries.
5. Position the mirrors. Before you set off, position the inside rear view mirror and the ORVMs. Fiddling with them while driving distracts you and your total concentration is not there on the road. And if you want to check out the hottie in the car you just passed, don’t.
6. Cell phone. If you have a call to make or are expecting a call, then pull over to the side of the road or better still don’t drive at all. Switch off the phone if you are alone or let the passenger receive the call for you.
7. Speed Limit. Respect the law and drive within the specified speed limits. Driving too fast doesn’t give you as much time to react while driving too slow, will make you a rolling obstacle for others. In either case, you are not safe.
8. Keep Distance. Keep at least three car lengths distance between you and the car ahead. This will give you enough time to react to his sudden braking.
9. Overtaking. Always give a signal to the car you want to overtake. This can be done by means of the horn during the day or by using the dipper/high beam flasher during the night. Wait till you get some space to pull off the overtaking safely. If he/she is not giving you any space, there may be a good reason for that, so wait. Always overtake from right. Overtaking heavy vehicles from the left will put you in danger, since most don’t have ORVMs and it’s all a big blind spot on the left for them.
10. Anticipate. Anticipate the traffic conditions ahead of you. If you see too many tail lamps, you are about to catch up with the traffic. That tiny flash of red in the sky is the traffic signal showing red, so be ready to brake. Etc, etc.
11. Braking. Don’t leave the braking for too late. If you did, it just might happen that the guy in front did too and braked harder than you did. You will end up rear ending him. Early braking will give you ample time to react to any mishap that might take place ahead.
12. Alcohol. A strict no-no. If you are out in a group, nominate someone for driving duties. The only beverage he/she should be having is a hot cup of cappuccino. If you are alone, please don’t drink and drive. If you’re in the mood to drink, stay home and drink till your bladder bursts, but don’t drive.
13. Leave early. If you have to be some place at a particular time, leave early. Anticipate the traffic conditions you might encounter on the way and start accordingly. Speeding to your destination will only put you and the passengers in danger. If you are late already, don’t bother rushing. Five minutes of fifty, once you’re late, you’re late. Might as well use the time to look good for the date or prepare for that interview.
14. Rash driving. Cutting across lanes and driving like a maniac will increase your chances of a visit to the emergency room and if you’re lucky, some road rage (Also see 21) from the fellow you just ticked off. Also if you’re a wannabe Karthikeyan and thrash your car too much, the mechanicals will wear and tear that much quicker.
15. Hands on the wheel. Both hands on the steering wheel will give you better control. It’s a normal tendency to rest one hand on the gear shift and using the other to turn the wheel. Trust me, two hands are better than one. You have much better control on the steering with both hands. Remove the left hand only when you have to shift a gear. Also if you rest one hand on the gear shift, you might accidentally shift it into neutral.
16. Music. Don’t fiddle with the music system while driving. Set the radio channel or the track on the disk before you start driving. If the RJ is annoying you, just bear him/her for a while, it’s their job. As it is they will have to play a track sooner rather than later. If there is a passenger along, let him/her be the DJ. On the other hand if you have steering mounted controls (Also see 15), go ahead and show that RJ who’s boss.
17. Bus Stops. Steer clear of these. Buses start off without an indicating and going slow around bus stops is a good idea. Also a favorite spot for the jaywalkers to show you what they are made of. No, they will not use the safer options like overhead bridge or the underground pass. They are lurking there around the overcrowded buses just waiting for you to show up and scare you with their athletic abilities.
18. Parking. Always park your vehicle properly at an authorized parking only. Don’t park in a hap hazard manner. If you left that boot hanging out, you just might find the tail lamp dangling like a Christmas tree decoration when you come back. Lock everything properly, and don’t leave your keys behind with the attendant. If they insist, find yourself some other place to park.
19. Morons. Everybody else is a moron. Keep that in mind while driving. You can never be too sure of what will happen next and its better to be prepared (Also see 10, 14).
20. Anger. If you just had a fight with your girl or you just knocked the day lights out of your boss, don’t drive. Driving in anger usually leads to you speeding (Also see 7, 14) and driving like an overall moron (Also see 19). So please refrain. Cool down. Switch on the music, and just sit in the car. Cause if you drive thinking about what just happened and not concentrating on the road, you’re in for some trouble.
21. Road Rage. The worst thing to do. Ever wonder why people get all worked up about a small scratch or a dent? Or when a moron (Also see 19) parks his car where you usually park yours? I understand you love your car a lot, don’t we all? But just think about this. It would cost a lot less to fix something on your car than having a surgery. Now, rage can be directed at you too if you were being the moron (Also see 19) and were driving in a dangerous manner (Also see 14).
22. Theft Protection. A lot of cars now have features like remote locking, immobilizer etc. Its also a good idea to get a gear and a steering lock for your car. Don’t leave valuables in the car when parked. Car parks (Also see 18) are a nice place to get your laptop nicked if you were not careful with it.
23. Lastly. If you can, do buy a car with all the safety equipments like Airbags and ABS. You might have to shell out a little more on the buying part, but your life is worth much more.

Yes, it’s a long list. But what can I say, you can never be too careful. Drive safe.