DEFENSIVE DRIVING FOR SAFE MOTORING By A Baruah

What is Defensive Driving No moving vehicle is completely free from the possibility of involving with an accident. Even in a dry road and dry day also accident occurs. That is why it is important to understand the Defensive Driving. Defensive driving is anticipation of factors / situations that lead to accidents. It is driver’s “code of the road”

The Defensive Driving Code Care,Consideration and Courtesy for other road users Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. Alertness for the illegal acts and driving errors of other drivers. Concern for accident prevention regardless of who is in fault.

Preventing Crashes with anticipation Collision with the vehicle ahead Stay alert : The vehicle ahead may apply brake suddenly. Stay Back : Even with good brakes vehicle needs a lot of room to stop. Stay behind at least one vehicle length for every 15 km/ph speed. Make the gap double or treble in slippery road or at night. Stop gradually : Slow down gradually if you know you will have to stop.Do not wait up to last moment

Preventing Crashes with anticipation Collision with the vehicle behind Stop smoothly : Gradual stop provides time to react and space to stop. Signal : Signal your intention well before you slow or stop. Keep clear : keep clear of drivers who are bumper chasers. Slow down and allow them to pass.

Preventing Crashes with anticipation Collision with an approaching vehicle Stay left : do not crowd the center line. Warn : if the in coming vehicle is crossing the center line , warn him by blowing your horn or by glowing your light.

Preventing Crashes with anticipation Collision with an vehicle at intersection Be prepared : Approach each intersection with your foot off the accelerator and poised over the brake. Look both ways : While approaching an intersection see left and right to make sure no vehicle is approaching or moving ahead. Watch out for curves : Slow down before entering a curve. Stay on your own side,blow horn or turn on light(at night) and do not over speed. Let traffic clear : Wait for the traffic to clear,do not fight for right of way

Preventing Crashes with anticipation Collision with an overtaking vehicle Help out : Let the other vehicle pass .Slow down to provide the other vehicle more room to pass. Check the rear : keep watch on vehicles behind before you change lens to overtake. Warn : Blow your horn several times to warn the vehicle ahead to give you room to pass. Be sure : Know your speed and anticipate the speed of the vehicle ahead and also that of on coming vehicle before attempting to overtake.

Preventing Crashes with anticipation Single vehicle accident Asleep at wheel : do not drive if you are feeling sleepy. Pull off the road, park at a safe side and rest a while before starting. Ready for the unexpected : be alert for unexpected movement of pedestrians or animals on the road . Observe lane discipline : Stay left and follow Traffic Lights signal.

The many faces of a Pedestrians The Sprinter : Rush hour traffic time, people sprint over the road to cross. The Houdini : who thinks can come out of any knotty problem even by standing in the middle of the road. The Talking Machine: Who carries his conversion to road even while crossing. The Band of Merry Men: Biggest problem is the “little ones” romping on the road being totally unconcern of the traffic on the road. The Spook : He makes his ride at night and he is just beyond the head lights.

Traffic Tips for Safer Driving Keep left Over take only on right. Do not overtake until you are sure of the free on coming traffic Wait for the front vehicle to give way to pass. Do not fight for the right of the way to enter in a cross section. Keep an eye on your rear view mirror for any vehicle approaching from the behind. Avoid sudden brake application Keep safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Follow lane discipline and traffic lights Do not drive under toxic influence. Avoid rash driving

Drinking and Driving Apart from legal problems, these two things just do not mix. Drinking undoubtedly leads to the following problems Loss of sense to judge speed of your car and that of opposite car Loss of sense to judge safe distance Dilation of eyes leading to loss of vision Slower reactions Leading to foolish chances causing accident

Car Care Keep vehicle clean Check for any loose nut and bolt Use recommended lube oils. Check brake Check radiator coolant Check lights,horn etc Check wheel air pressure Replace worn out tyres.

Acknowledgement Some of the information included here are extracted from publications from various sources especially from National Safety Council ,USA Petroleum Conservation Research Association .

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