Driving: A cultural change in INDIA-English
Chapter 1
Introduction
Dear friends,
Without any preface, I am coming to the point. This is about a disaster we are facing in our state (Kerala) which is not discussed or taken care of seriously. More than 4000 human lives have been lost in the year 2019 due to road accidents, meaning 11 persons are killed on the road every day. The number of seriously injured are much more. These statistics are greater than the national average which is even many folds worse than the rest of the world.
Each accident creates a long term impact to the families of the victims in terms of health (Physical and psychological), financial aspects. I always wish that the next victim should not be me or my loved ones.
I have no hope that this can be resolved in one day, but if we can save at least one life per day, it will be an achievement as there are many dependents on each person.
Whenever we discuss this topic, the first question comes is “first you (the government) make good roads then we will change ourselves” (which is not going to happen).
Driving is a privilege, not a right. Good driving is a duty too. A good driver should be capable of driving his/her vehicle in any circumstances.
The main reason for accidents is driver error (this is as per the scientific studies).
At the same time, we have safer travel by rail and air. But the roads are not safe. The reality is the drivers are not trained properly.
The qualification of a loco pilot is three year Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering and 17 weeks post recruitment training. After that there is a probationary period etc. The norms are very stringent and there are disciplinary actions (removal from service in most of the cases) in case the pilot violates any rule.
For an aviation pilot it is much more (I have no idea as I don’t have any aviation pilot friend) .
I have worked in a tech park where more than 1.5 lacs IT employees (highly educated techies) , the reality is their driving is also very pathetic and without any sense, they are also doing all kinds of traffic violations. That means higher education is not providing a road culture to our society.
I have gone through a blog by Dr. Adhiraj Joglekar (http://driving-india.blogspot.com/) that is the only serious and scientific initiation I have ever seen on this topic. In the coming days I am planning for a series of topics to make awareness about safer road transport to all road users based on Dr. Adhiraj Joglekar’s blog.
Expecting comments like below and this is not for such people, this is only for those who love to live and wish to take care of their loved ones.
1 This is not going to happen here. This is not possible here.
2 Don’t teach me, I am driving even before your birth.
3, I have enough experience
And many more
Chapter 2
Driving-A cultural evolution
KYV-Know Your Vehicle
Before using any vehicle, spend some time reading the owner’s manual. Owner’s manual clearly explains all the functionalities and features of the vehicle including the critical safety aspects. Modern heavy vehicles are equipped with auxiliary brakes like Retarders, Exhaust brakes which help to minimize the braking distance. Also modern vehicles are equipped with ABS (Anti Lock brake system), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ACC (Adaptive Cruise control) etc.
Every vehicle has its own merits and demerits, never push any vehicle beyond its limits.
Today all vehicles are equipped with light signals. Most of the cars have 3 brake lights, (left, and right and High mount Stop lamps). This will automatically light up when we apply the brake pedal. If you are slowing down, just press the brake pedal not fully so that the brake lights will light and hence get alert to the following vehicles.
There are left and right turn indicator signals to inform other road users about your intention to turn left or right, or changing your lane. Even though there is an auto cut off mechanism for turn indicators, it is always better to make sure that the turn indicators are no longer working after your turn or lane change.
Most of the modern vehicles have a lane change indicator function; turn signals will blink 3 or 5 times using the same signal stalk.
If you are on city roads, you have to apply turn indicators almost 10 seconds before the point you wish to turn or change the direction. On highways it must be 15 seconds.
Hazard warning signal. Hazard warning lights are a pair of intermittent flashing indicator lights that flash in unison to warn other drivers that the vehicle is a temporary obstruction. They are also called hazard flashers and hazard lights.
Eg. You're changing a tyre on the side of the road, Your vehicle has broken down and is being towed
Some vehicles (usually European ones) will automatically activate the hazard warning lights under heavy braking or if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
Don’t use a hazard signal if you wish to go straight in a junction. I think this practice started in India after the introduction of Hyundai santro, they started to fix hazard signal switch on the middle of the dashboard (Hazard warning symbol is a triangular shape, and our people miss interpreted as a signal to go straight) Earlier cars in India had this switch on the steering column between steering wheel and instrument cluster, which was not easily accessible, and most of the drivers even have not noticed.
All vehicles have a reverse indicator signal (except two wheelers) which will automatically light up when you shift to reverse gear.
Fog lamps. Fog lamps are used to provide more visibility to the drivers in poor weather conditions like fog, mist, dust and rain. The beam from main head lamps may reflect back to the driver’s eyes, the light beam from the fog lamp as it is placed lower will help in such situations.
Rear fog lamps are in red color having more illumination (21 watts) compared to the regular tail lamps (5 watts) to help the other vehicles users to spot your vehicle in poor weather conditions.
That’s all for today. We will discuss more in the coming days.
Regards
BINOY N S
Chapter 3
We all know that “we have to be very cautious and careful while behind the wheels”. But no one clearly knows what the things to be taken care of are. On which occasions we have to be more cautious. Today we are discussing two very important and always ignored points. 1, Rear View Mirrors. 2, Blind Spots.
REAR VIEW MIRRORS
Rear view mirrors are the auxiliary eyes of a driver for his vision towards the rear side of the vehicle. Any vehicle on road (including two wheelers) shall have a minimum of 2 rear view mirrors (On Left and Right side, as it is kept outside of vehicles, it is called ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror). Smaller vehicles having a better visibility through the rear windshield glass shall have a third mirror kept inside, called IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror). ORVMs should be in convex shape to have a better field of vision.
Big vehicles like Buses and Trucks have more mirrors like, Side blind spot mirrors, Front fender proximity mirrors (to see the front bumper of the vehicle as the driver is not having a direct visibility to these areas. A driver should know how to adjust and set these mirrors, and must be trained to use these.
How to adjust Rear View Mirrors.
Almost everyone knows how to set IRVM (Inside rear view mirror), focus the IRVM to get the maximum possible view of your rear side of the vehicle. IRVMS have limitations that it cannot include the view on the left and right side of your vehicle where most of the events happen on road.
Setting of ORVMs (Outside rear view mirror. Adjust the mirror to get the maximum possible view of the rear and side, with 5 to 10 % of the rear edge of your vehicle's body to have a judgment of the relative position of the objects on your rear side. See Pictures.
How frequent or when a driver need to watch the mirrors.
A driver needs to watch or have a glance at all or at least ORVMs in almost every driver's actions like, pulling off, overtaking, turning left or right, lane/direction change , even slow down, braking and reversing. Other than this, a driver should have a glance to all the mirrors (especially ORVMS and IRVMs(if applicable) in every 6 to 8 seconds to have and overall information about the position and action of other road objects (vehicles), like a cricket batsman checking fielder position before every ball he is facing so that he can select a shot towards a direction where there is no fielder. Otherwise he will end up in a disaster. This is not an easy task for beginners, but can be mastered through dedication and practice. (After that you will not be able to drive vehicles without mirrors)
If you are Turning Right, you must have more frequent glances to the right ORVM, and if you are turning left, you need more frequent glances to the left ORVM and Proximity mirrors and controlling of your vehicle to avoid collision to other road objects. Also use proper turn indicator at least 15 seconds before turning left or right, also check priority (which will be discussed later)
Try to check and keep in mind the make and color of the vehicle seen in your mirrors. (Eg: A red Swift car or a Freak boy on a KTM DUKE). After 6-8 seconds when you check the mirrors again , and if you are not seeing that vehicle on the mirrors, there are only two possibilities, either the vehicle already left the road you are traveling, or that vehicle is in your BLIND SPOT. The second case leads to a fatal accident if you turn left or right as you are not able to see that car or bike.
BLIND SPOT
A blind spot in a vehicle is an area around the vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver, even through mirrors while at the controls, under existing circumstances. Blind spots exist in a wide range of vehicles. Bigger vehicles have more blind spots compared to smaller vehicles. All road users (including pedestrians and cyclists) shall be aware of blind spots and try to be not in the blind spot of the vehicles. A majority of the blind spots can be avoided by following the steps below, but it still exists.
Bend your neck more and check blind spots before turning right or left.
Use blind spot reducing mirrors (small more convex mirrors)
Have a co-driver.
Use a 360 degree bird view camera and display.
Blind Spot Reduction Mirrors, you can see even a truck in the small convex mirrors which is not seen in the main mirror.
Blind Spot KSRTC Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCO3zYj-mok
A very simple and useful tip: If you are driving a smaller vehicle, and you are not able to see the mirror of a big vehicle adjacent to you, and the face of the driver of that big vehicle through his left or right ORVM, you are in his blind spot.(you are in a danger zone.)
Tail Piece:
For Two wheeler user’s Kind attention (including me)
1, Traffic rules are for your safety and long life.
2, All traffic rules are also applicable to two wheeler vehicles.
3, Two wheeler vehicles have only just two wheels, which are running on a balance which can be lost at any moment and even on small incidents like riding over a stone, potholes.
4, In India most of the accidents involve a two wheeler. And more death happens to two wheeler riders.
5, You are also responsible for your life.
6, It is very difficult to notice a two wheeler while driving a bigger vehicle and the maneuvers of the two wheeler’s are fast, size is the smallest and most of them are in dark color.
7, Try to switch on your head light even during the day time. All bs4 and above two wheelers have this AHO (All-time Headlight On or Automatic Headlight On)feature as standard to have better visibility of you to other big vehicles.
YouTube Link of Dr.Adhiraj J https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00N2kQRKVdY
https://www.youtube.com/user/adhirajjoglekar/videos
That’s all for today. Next topic – Pre Trip Inspection.
Image Courtesy: Google.
Thanks and regards
BINOY N S
Chapter 4
PRE TRIP INSPECTION
We know the motor vehicles are running on various mechanical, electrical and electronic parts. Even though today’s modern vehicles are manufactured with very high precision and quality standards, they are not fully fail proof. Also, all these need periodic attention. Today we are discussing the important points to be checked before every journey. If you search this title on YouTube, you won’t see a single video from India. See the ignorance of our people. But I have included a video which is in Malayalam from Canada. Please go through it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmy_QOk7dkQ
The most important part of any automobile is the “nut behind the steering wheel”, confused? , it is you, “the driver”, unfortunately who is always ignored in our country. Always assess your health conditions yourself. If you are tired, or suffering from any illness, avoid driving. A driver needs a minimum of 8 hours of complete rest before any journey. The Indian railway always makes sure about this. Unfortunately KSRTC is not bothered about this. Periodically check your eyesight and correct the power of your spectacles.
Most of today’s vehicles have self diagnostic systems on instrument clusters, check and clear any errors at the earliest if you found such one on your instrument cluster.
At least every month, open the hood (Bonnet) and check the coolant levels, engine oil, steering fluid, brake/clutch fluid levels. If the levels are under the min marks, contact the nearest service center or top up if you are trained to do so. Check the tension of drive line belts also check for any cracks or wear and tear. If any oil leaks are noticed, don’t ignore it, and arrest it immediately as it is the prime cause of fire.
Before any trip, check functioning of all the lights, light signals, horn, wipers, wiper washer and washer fluids. For checking the brake lights and reverse lamp, you may need assistance from another person.
Next check the functioning of brakes, also check the engagement and disengagement of the parking brake (hand brake).
If your vehicle is equipped with a Pneumatic brake system (Air brake), you need more attention, as the brakes will function only after the required pressure is built up in the tanks. Also check for any leaks of air pressure. During the journey have a periodical look on to the instrument cluster. I have seen so many drivers red lining the vehicle immediately after the ignition of the engine, which eventually creates more wear and tear. Because, most of the wear and tear of the engine happens due to high revelation before the engine reaches the operating temperature and oil circulation. The best method is, start your engine, let it run at idle rpm (don’t press accelerator), make sure there are no alarms in the instrument cluster. After that check all the lights, light signal, horn, wiper, walk around and check the tire conditions, and come back to the cockpit, by the time , oil circulation of the engine and air pressure build up will be achieved, now you can raise the rpm if the air pressure is still not build up. But don’t raise the RPM beyond 2000, in the first 15 minutes after a cold start. This practice is only for your engine’s long life.
Next check the tire conditions. Make sure that there is enough pressure in tires including Spare wheel. Make sure that there are no cuts and cracks on any tires; also make sure minimum thread depth is 2-3 mm. Most of the cars have tread wear indicator (TWI) . I have posted a video how to check TWI. Please go through it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIwptoqobxs
Driving a vehicle is an art. But maintaining a vehicle is another art, which is very important for your and others safety. I request you to maintain your vehicle in top notch condition. It needs dedication, patience and effort. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance interval and procedures either at authorized service center (recommended) or at an experienced friendly neighborhood garage.
That’s all for today. Next is starting your journey and joining the traffic.
Wishing you a happy and safe journey always.
Regards
BINOY. N S
Chapter 5
MSM principle, Right of Way and Priority
Today we are going to master two very basic principles of driving called M.S.M (Mirror Signal Manoeuvre) and Right of way and Priorities.
MSM (Mirror Signal Manoeuvre)
MSM Principle needs to be followed in almost all driver actions like Joining the traffic, slowing down, stopping, reversing, parking, turning left or right in a junction, overtaking, lane changing etc.
You have to check all the mirrors, and make sure that there will not be any collision or obstruction while you are doing any of the actions mentioned above.
Next is Signal. You have to use proper electronic signals, which were explained in the previous chapters. This will be explained more in the coming topics.
Maneuver:
Meaning of this word is a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care.
So, now you’re ready for the secrets of the MSM routine. The MSM routine is a rock-solid technique that’s important to practice because
you must always know how your driving is likely to affect traffic behind you
It includes interpreting what you see in the mirrors and acting appropriately.
What do you actually need to do? These are the steps:
Mirrors – use them to check the speed and position of traffic behind you – the earlier, the better
Signal – consider whether a signal is necessary. If it is, signal your intention in good time.
Always signal in advance to make sure that others see the signal and have enough time to respond.
Remember: never signal without checking your mirrors first.
Maneuver – only maneuver if it’s safe to do so.
Also make sure that the signal is switched off once your maneuver is completed.
Image & Content Courtesy: https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/blog/mirror-signal-manoeuvre-learner-driver
MSM principle : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5DMGzlIzSY
Right of Way and Priorities.
The roads are for every road user, and generally all have the right to use the road. But in some special scenarios, especially at junctions we have to know who is having the right of way and we should give way to those. Means we have to give way or give priority to those vehicles that have right of way. You are not supposed to disturb them in any circumstances.
In junctions the general rule is to give way to traffic approaching from your right side unless you are directed to do otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights.
This is applicable in INDIA and all UK driving styles following countries having driver seats on the right side of the vehicle and driving on the left side of the road. The reason behind is , when you approach a junction, you have to give way or priority for the vehicles coming from your right side (Driver seat side), because, for the vehicle coming from your right side, you are at his/her left side, meaning co-driver side where his visibility is less. You have to give way and wait till that vehicle is passed. (in US style driving countries, the rule is same but the direction simply changes to left as the driver sits on the left side of the vehicle and drives on right side of the road)
If you are approaching a main road, there shall be a yield signal (Signal with an inverted triangle), the vehicles already on the main road are having the right of way.
Give Way or Yield or Priority Road Ahead Signal
This triangular sign is one of the most frequently seen on roads and is used to warn you of a junction ahead. Traffic on the road you will be joining has priority, so you must wait for a safe gap before continuing.
That’s all for today. Wishing you happy and safe journeys.
Tail Piece: When you are driving, at a moderate speed, and you have seen a vehicle in your mirror approaching at a higher speed behind you, just allow that vehicle to overtake you. Don’t show attitude or ego. The steps to do this safely will be explained later.
Image Courtesy : Google.
Regards
BINOY
Driving Kerala-A cultural change
Chapter 6
Today we are discussing joining a main road from a sub road, or joining a T- junction.
Here onwards, we need the practice of “M.S.M principle” and the concept of “Right of way”. If anybody reading this chapter is requested to go through chapter 5 for the aforementioned concepts.
Scenario 1. Entering a Main road from a sub road towards left: (T-junction towards Left)
Joining a main road and turning or joining towards the left is much easier. But you have to follow the M.S.M principle, also keep in mind that the vehicles already on the main road are having the right of way, which means they are having the priority. You are not supposed to disturb them in any circumstances. Follow the below procedure.
Before reaching the T-junction, check all your mirrors at least 20 seconds before and make judge the position and speed of vehicles (especially two wheelers), give priority to your left mirrors as you are turning left.
Switch on the left turn indicator signal, Before 10-15 seconds from the junction to inform other road users about your intention to turn left.
Once you reach the junction, don’t enter the main road, just stop and first check your right side, and judge the speed and position of the vehicles on the main road coming from your right side in such a way that your entry will not disturb (slow down or brake) the vehicles on main road.
Next check the left side (there may be vehicles coming on the left track while they overtake a vehicle)
Again check the right side and join the main road towards the left side on the left track of the main road.
Stop or standby till a safe gap is there to join the main road without disturbing the vehicles on main road. Repeat points 3,4 & 5. Need patience.
Make sure that you are not disturbing the vehicles already on the main road, which means they shall not slow down or stop because of your entry to the main road.(even if you are busy and you don’t have time etc.)
Once you join the traffic, make sure that your turn indicator is switched off. Even though today’s vehicles have auto cut off turn indicators, it is better to make sure.
Note: If there is a merging lane on the main road, first join the merging lane, and join the main road by merging without disturbing the main road vehicles by adjusting your speed.
When you are joining a main road, towards the left and there some vehicles already ahead of you from the sub-road, don’t blindly follow the vehicle ahead of you and join the main road, because the other vehicles judgment ahead of you will be different from yours as the traffic on main changes every fraction of seconds. You have to be very patient and follow the above steps.
Scenario 2. Entering a Main road from a sub road towards Right: (T-junction towards Right)
Joining a main road at T-junction towards the right is more difficult and needs more care. Here also keep in mind that vehicles already on the main road are having right of way / priority (in both directions) and you are not supposed to disturb them in any circumstances. Here also you have to follow the M.S.M principle and the concept of right of way. Follow the below procedure.
Before reaching the T-junction, check all your mirrors at least 20 seconds before and make judge the position and speed of vehicles (especially two wheelers), give priority to your right mirrors as you are turning right.
Switch on the right turn indicator signal, Before 10-15 seconds from the junction to inform other road users about your intention to turn right.
There are some wrong practices followed by our drivers to keep to the right side of the sub-road before reaching the main road junction and disturb the oncoming vehicles on the sub road as they are intended to turn right. You have to keep center and give way on the right side of your vehicle to the oncoming vehicles.
Once you reach the junction, don’t enter the main road, just stop and first check your right side, and judge the speed and position of the vehicles on the main road coming from your right side in such a way that your entry will not disturb (slow down or brake) the vehicles on main road.
Next check the left side (there may be vehicles coming on the left track while they overtake a vehicle)
Again check the right side and join the main road towards the right side on the right track of the main road.
Stop or standby till a safe gap is there to join the main road without disturbing the vehicles on main road. Repeat points 4,5 & 6. Need patience
Make sure that you are not disturbing the vehicles already on the main road, which means they shall not slow down or stop because of your entry to the main road.(even if you are busy and you don’t have time etc.)
Once you join the traffic, make sure that your turn indicator is switched off. Even though today’s vehicles have auto cut off turn indicators, it is better to make sure.
When you are joining a main road, towards the right and there some vehicles already ahead of you from the sub-road, don’t blindly follow the vehicle ahead of you and join the main road, because the other vehicles judgment ahead of you will be different from yours as the traffic on main changes every fraction of seconds. You have to be very patient and follow the above steps.
Please go through the below videos for more details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24Qm7YULffI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTTUTwVIpTo
Tail piece: If all of us follow the above methods, I believe that there will be a lot of improvement on our average speed on our highways.
Image Courtesy : google
That’s all for today, wishing you a very happy and safe journeys ahead
Regards,
BINOY N S
Chapter 7
Exiting from a Main Road to a sub road
Scenario 1 (Exit towards Left).
Taking an exit from a main road towards left is much easier; you need to follow MSM principle,
Check your left mirrors, about 15-20 seconds before your exit.
Make sure there is no vehicles on your left side (bicycles , two wheelers, because in our country two wheelers have a tendency to overtake though left side)
Switch on the left side indicator.
Take the left exit when you reach safely.
Make sure indicator is switched off once you complete the turn/exit
But normally even the professional drivers seldom use turn indicators for turning left.
Left indicator (including M.S.M principle) shall be used for buses and other vehicles while stopping to pick up or drop off passengers, also make sure that you have given enough space for the vehicles behind you to pass you. This method allows other road users, especially vehicles following a bus to understand that the bus is going to stop for picking up the passengers. Most of the drivers are unknown about this except a minority who got licenses from Gulf countries.
Once all the passengers pick and drop off is completed, for joining the traffic, again use M.S.M principle
Check your right mirror and judge the speed and position of the vehicles behind you,
Indicate right, and join the traffic if there is a safe gap. Make sure that you have switched off the indicator once you join the traffic and attain the average speed of the road at the earliest.
Scenario 2 (Exit towards right).
Taking an exit or turning towards the right is a very difficult task and involves more risk involved. Most of the accidents happen by violating/ignoring the basic rules or steps involved here. Don't panic and hurry, be patient and calm. Here also you have to use the MSM principle and right of way concept.
Frequently check your all mirrors, in 6-8 seconds, judge the speed and position of vehicles behind you
At least 20-25 seconds before your exit, give more priority to the right mirror and indicate right.
Once you switch on the right indicator, it doesn’t mean you can turn right immediately. It means you are intended to turn right.
Positioning your vehicle towards the center of the road, means your right true close to the centerline of the road, never block or disturb the oncoming vehicle. Make sure that oncoming vehicles have enough space to go without any disturbance.
There the right of way (priority) is for the oncoming vehicles, you are not supposed to disturb them in any circumstances. You have to wait till a safe gap is there from the oncoming vehicles.
Once there is a safe gap from the oncoming vehicles, you can take a right turn from the point of line joining the center of the sub-road and join the sub road on the left side of the sub-road.
Make sure to switch off the indicator once you complete the turn or exit
The vehicles behind you shall wait patiently (without honking) till you complete your right turn maneuver or they can overtake you through your left side if there is enough space. But they are not supposed to overtake your vehicle, through right.
Pictures and Video links are shared here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPRKNQ6J9tU
https://www.facebook.com/officialorangemedialive/videos/2452562285014895/?t=50
Tail piece:
While a vehicle is turning right from a main road to a sub-road, there is a practice of honking unnecessarily by the vehicles behind. Please keep in mind that, road is for everyone, and you will also face the same situation.
This catastrophic ignorance by an Auto driver, killed 3 people a few months back in Angamali, met accident with a bus, but unfortunately all authorities blamed the bus driver.
That’s all for today.
Wishing you happy and safe journeys ahead.
Regards
BINOY
Chapter 8
Keep Distance
In our country, most of the accidents happen on our roads by rear ending on the vehicles as the drivers are not keeping a safe distance between the vehicles. It is your responsibility to keep the safe distance between the vehicles ahead of you. If you rear end them, it is your own mistake. There is always a question about how much distance has to be maintained between two moving vehicles, some people say 10 meters, 25 feet etc. But the reality is the safe distance changes with the speed of the vehicles.
If you are traveling at a speed of 60 KMPH, you will be covering almost 17 meters in a second, if you are traveling at 100 KMPH, in one second you will cover 28 meters. The average reaction time for humans is 0.25 seconds to a visual stimulus. If a vehicle ahead of you suddenly stops, you need to apply brakes, also your vehicle needs some time to stop which depends on the mechanical conditions and characteristics of the vehicle. (German cars have a better braking efficiency.)
Now it is the question, how to keep a safe distance all the time. The answer is very simple; you have to keep a minimum of two seconds gap between the vehicles ahead of you. Confused? This is called the 2 seconds rule.
2 seconds rule
As already explained, you have to keep a safe gap of a minimum 2 seconds between the vehicles ahead of you. This is very simple; identify/select a fixed/stationary object on the side of the road example, a tree, a milestone or a traffic sign board. Once the vehicle ahead of you passes that fixed point, maintain your speed and distance so that you will pass that fixed object only after 2 seconds. The two second is the minimum gap in normal road and weather conditions also if your vehicle is having a better brake efficiency. Otherwise you have to maintain a 3 or 4 seconds gap.
If you are not maintaining the 2 seconds rule, you are tailgating the vehicle ahead of you. Tailgating causes accidents. In India tailgating is mostly done by experienced drivers, as they show off their skills by tailgating. Tailgating is an offense in all the countries, unfortunately authorities are not taking care of this offense in India. In UAE, tailgating will attract a fine of 400 AED and 3 black points to the driver. In the US most vehicles, especially on trucks,there are tailgating detection alarms.
You have to also make sure that the vehicle behind you is not tailgating you. Even though it is his/her responsibility to follow the safe distance, better take care. Check your mirrors every 6-8 seconds and if you find a tailgating vehicle behind you, better allow him to overtake you to avoid accidents or increase the gap between your and vehicle ahead of you to 4-5 seconds.
Pictures and video links are mentioned below.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/photos/nation/tailgating-in-abu-dhabi-dh400-fine-for-vehicle-in-front
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAPbYiauHj0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YungKnyLAPY
Tailgating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz0totXDmfI
Next is the distance to be maintained in a traffic signal or traffic blocks. In our country there is always a tendency to keep bumper to bumper (keeping a very small gap, just some inches between two vehicles) in traffic signals and traffic blocks. The disadvantages of this bumper to bumper method are as follows.
The greater chance of collision
If the signal goes green, it needs more time to move on as the first vehicle moves, only after 4-5 seconds the second vehicle can move and it will be continued, also vehicles only move one after another. .So only a few vehicles can pass the signal while the green signal is ON. If a better gap is maintained, all vehicles can move simultaneously, which means more vehicles can pass the signal in a short time.
It is very difficult to resolve the traffic block in case of bumper to bumper as vehicles cannot be moved slightly to adjust or to take a 3 point u turn if anyone wants to go back or to allow an emergency vehicle to pass.
To keep a safe and continent distance in a traffic signal you have to follow Tire and tarmac rule.
Tire and tarmac Rule is as follows.
When you are stopping behind a vehicle ahead of you at a traffic signal, you have to stop or keep a distance in such a way that you can see the rear tire of the vehicle ahead of you touching the tarmac/asphalt surface. Videos will explain in detail. The advantages of doing this are already mentioned above.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jdnMB-kaPI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCfZuPEvpIk
Tail Piece:
Tailgating is done by most of the professional and experienced drivers in India; they drive with overconfidence and rear end with the vehicle ahead of them and blame the other vehicle.
If you try to follow the tire and tarmac rules, some stupid bikers will come and occupy that place, because in India “everyone is in a hurry, and no one reaches on time”.
For those who say, these methods will not work in our country, we even never heard of “Lock down”, social distancing, sanitizer, isolation, quarantine ” etc before COVID19. Now we all follow this to safeguard ourselves from COVID19, traffic accidents are also a disaster and we have to safeguard ourselves from it.
That is all for today.
Regards,
BINOY NS
Chapter 9
Roundabouts
A roundabout (also called a traffic circle, road circle, rotary, rotunda or island) is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island, and priority is typically given to traffic already in the junction.
Roundabout was designed to avoid delays, traffic jams and traffic signals and allows a free flow of traffic. Unfortunately in our country, no one knows the priority (right of way) in a roundabout and all the vehicles join the roundabout in their own way and create traffic blocks. Nowadays roundabouts are a disaster in our country. Reason is 99% of the drivers are ignorant about the rules or priorities of a roundabout or no one cares and everyone is in a hurry to reach their destination. Today we are discussing about “how to negotiate a roundabout in UK driving styles?” (Countries following the UK driving style. Driver seat on the right side of the vehicle and vehicle drives on the left side of the road. UK, INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA, MALAYSIA ETC)
Please see the picture. There are 4 roads joining a roundabout and there are 4 exits, Exit 1, 2 3 & 4. Consider this junction as a dial of a clock. Imagine Exit 1 is the direction of Digit 6 of a clock dial, Exit 2 is digit 9, Exit 3 is digit 12 and exit 4 is digit 3 of the clock dial.
When you approach any roundabout, never join the roundabout, you have to stop before you enter, and have to give priority to those vehicles already in the roundabout. You are not supposed to disturb the vehicles already in the roundabout. Means due to your entry, they should not stop or brake. You have to wait till a safe gap is available
(In UK style driving in a junction, always give priority to the vehicles coming from the right side of your vehicle, meaning your driver seat side of the vehicle. This was already explained. This is applicable in INDIA and all UK driving styles following countries having driver seats on the right side of the vehicle and driving on the left side of the road. The reason behind is , when you approach a junction, you have to give way or priority for the vehicles coming from your right side (Driver seat side), because, for the vehicle coming from your right side, you are at his/her left side, meaning co-driver side where his visibility is less. You have to give way and wait till that vehicle is passed.)
We are discussing 4 scenarios of a roundabout as there are 4 exits in this round about which we are discussing here.(please see the picture). All these scenarios we are considering as you are entering the roundabout though EXIT-1 means the direction is digit 3 of a clock dial. Also we are discussing a round about having 2 lanes in a round which is common in our country.
Scenario 1 (Going to left direction-Taking Exit 2)
You are entering through EXIT 1, As you are going to the left direction (EXIT-2) , Use M.S.M principle. Before reaching the roundabout, 15-20 seconds before follow the steps below
Check your left mirrors and check if any vehicles are there on the left side of your vehicle.
Indicate left
Join left lane of the approaching road and slow down
Stop just before the roundabout and watch the right side of the roundabout.
Keep the left indicator ON
You have to give priority to the vehicles already on the roundabout. (Vehicles coming from the right side). Never disturb vehicles already on the roundabout.
Wait till a safe gap is available (the morons behind you may disturb you by honking, never mind).
Enter the roundabout once you get a safe gap keeping the left indicator ON, through the outer lane (Left Lane) of the roundabout and take exit 2. Check the left mirrors while doing so.
Once you join exit 2, switch off the indicator.
Scenario- 2. (Going Straight-Taking Exit-3)
You are entering through EXIT 1, as you are going straight (EXIT-3), Use M.S.M principle. Before reaching the roundabout, 15-20 seconds before follow the steps below
Check your Left Mirrors
Signal/Indicator not required as you are going straight while you enter the roundabout.
Join left lane of the approaching road and slow down
Stop just before the roundabout and watch the right side of the roundabout.
You have to give priority to the vehicles already on the roundabout. (Vehicles coming from the right side). Never disturb vehicles already on the roundabout.
Wait till a safe gap is available (the morons behind you may disturb you by honking, never mind).
Enter the roundabout once you get a safe, through the outer lane (Left Lane) of the roundabout.
Once you pass the exit before your intended exit, Check the left mirror and Switch ON the left indicator. (here, once you pass the left exit/EXIT 2, switch on the left indicator)
Join your exit (Exit 3) safely.
Once you enter your exit (Exit 3) switch off the indicator.
Scenario-3 (Going Right- Taking EXIT-4)
You are entering through EXIT 1, as you are going RIGHT (EXIT-4), Use M.S.M principle. Before reaching the roundabout, 15-20 seconds before follow the steps below
Check your Right and Left mirrors check any vehicles are there in the both side of your vehicle.(priority to right Mirror as you are going right)
Indicate Right
Join the Middle lane of the approaching road and slow down
Stop just before the roundabout and watch the right side of the roundabout.
Keep the RIGHT indicator ON
You have to give priority to the vehicles already on the roundabout. (Vehicles coming from the right side). Never disturb vehicles already on the roundabout.
Wait till a safe gap is available (the morons behind you may disturb you by honking, never mind).
Enter the roundabout once you get a safe gap keeping the RIGHT indicator ON, through the inner lane (Right Lane) of the roundabout.
Once you pass the exit before your intended exit, Check the left mirror and Switch ON the left indicator. (here, once you pass the straight exit/EXIT 3, switch on the left indicator)
Join the left lane of the roundabout using MSM principle
Join your exit (Exit 4) safely.
Once you join exit 4, switch off the indicator.
Scenario-4 (U turn in a roundabout-Taking Exit 1)
Please in our country have a tendency to take U-turn in a roundabout without joining the roundabout, this is wrong, you have to enter the roundabout and take the same exit.
You are entering through EXIT 1, as you are taking a U-turn (EXIT-1), Use M.S.M principle. Before reaching the roundabout, 15-20 seconds before follow the steps below.
Check your Right and Left mirrors check any vehicles are there in the both side of your vehicle.(priority to right Mirror as you are to take a U-turn)
Indicate Right
Join the Middle lane/right lane of the approaching road and slow down.
Stop just before the roundabout and watch the right side of the roundabout.
Keep the RIGHT indicator ON
You have to give priority to the vehicles already on the roundabout. (Vehicles coming from the right side). Never disturb vehicles already on the roundabout.
Wait till a safe gap is available (the morons behind you may disturb you by honking, never mind).
Enter the roundabout once you get a safe gap keeping the RIGHT indicator ON, through the inner lane (Right Lane) of the roundabout.
Once you pass the exit before your intended exit, Check the left mirror and Switch ON the left indicator. (here, once you pass the right exit/EXIT 4, switch on the left indicator)
Join the left lane of the roundabout using MSM principle
Join your exit (Exit 1) safely.
Once you join exit 1, switch off the indicator.
Video Links.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koK_a4KYs-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAHmVNhoOow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yArctgMCBks
Tailpiece
Never disturb the vehicles already on the roundabout. You have to wait patiently till a safe gap in the approach road. Some anti-socials may honk at you from behind if you do so. Just keep calm.
Here we discussed the roundabout having 2 lanes in the round. There is a multi lane roundabout having more than 2 lanes. As those are not common in India we have not discussed. But the video mentioned here includes those.
In gulf countries, most of our experienced drivers (drivers claim that they have 15-20 years of experience in India) fail the Roundabout Test, as they are ignorant about this. Experience never always gives knowledge. Learn every day in your life. Learning is a continuous process till the end of your life.
In US, Europe and gulf countries, the rule is the same, only the direction changes.
That’s all for today.
Regards,
BINOY
Chapter 10
Overtaking.(In single carriage way) & Night Driving
Overtaking is passing another slower moving road user that’s traveling in the same direction as you. This is usually another vehicle, but could also be a cyclist, an elephant, a hand cart or other road user.
It is illegal if there are signs or road markings clearly prohibiting it (No overtake sign or Solid single/double white/yellow line on road), or if it’s done in an unsafe, reckless or uncontrolled way.
During overtaking also, you are not supposed to cross the legal speed limits. If you cannot complete the overtake within legal speed limits, it is advised to stop the overtaking attempt and follow the vehicle ahead of you.
When you don’t have clear visibility of the road ahead – maybe in poor weather, such as rain or fog, winding roads – or if you must break the speed limit in order to overtake.
In our country, most of the road accidents happen while overtaking or while attempting to overtake.
While overtaking, consider the performance of your vehicle (know your vehicle limits). If your vehicle is not powered enough, it is very dangerous to overtake as it takes more time to overtake, mean time there may be oncoming vehicles. Always keep in peak power band (check owner’s manual) by down shifting the gear. For automatic vehicles, keep in sport mode or manual mode.
Turbo charged vehicle, keep your RPM just above the turbo band.
Complete the overtaking as soon as possible.
If you are not sure about the completion, stop attempting the overtaking Maneuver.
In our country, overtaking is allowed only through the right side of the vehicle.
Overtaking through the left side is only allowed, if the vehicle ahead of you is signaled to turn right, and passes in the middle of the turning point of the road.
Overtaking procedure.
You have to use the Mirror-Signal and Maneuver (M.S.M) principle here.
While you find a slow moving vehicle, ahead of you and you wish to overtake him/her (also he/she is not given a right turn signal.)
Check if there are/were “Overtaking prohibited sign boards” or Single/double Solid white/yellow (center line) lines dividing the two lanes of the road.
Check whether there is enough road space ahead on both lanes of the road (no oncoming traffic-safe gap, no zebra crossing ahead, and no junctions ahead) and there is enough clear vision. Unfortunately in our country the above conditions are getting rare nowadays.
Check your mirrors, judge the speed and position of vehicles behind you. Also make sure that there are no vehicles attempting to overtake you. If someone is attempting to overtake you, priority is for them, you have to stop the overtaking and wait for the above conditions again.
Check your blind spots and make sure that there are no vehicles on the blind spots.
Indicate right, and change to the right lane (oncoming lane) of the road if above conditions(step 1,2,3 & 4) are safe
Switch of the indicator and accelerate as fast as possible
Once you pass almost 25 % of the vehicle to be overtaken, switch on the Left indicator.
Join the left lane again, without disturbing the vehicle being overtaken. Check the left mirror to make sure there is enough space to join the left lane without disturbing the other vehicles already on the left lane.
Once you complete joining back to the left lane, switch off the indicator.
If you are following a vehicle, and that vehicle is attempting an overtake, never blindly follow him/her and overtake other vehicles, because traffic conditions change every second and you may end up in trouble.
If you are being overtaken, please follow the below steps.
Always check your mirrors every 6-8 seconds while driving (a good driver always does this). If you find a fast moving vehicle behind you, simply allow him to overtake you (if there are safe conditions ahead). No ego here. Slow down your vehicle slightly by taking off your foot from the accelerator pedal, indicate left and allow them to overtake safely.
Some Truckers in our country are indicating the right to allow you to overtake. This is a wrong practice and confusing as if he really intended to turn right, how can we understand?
Night Driving
Compared to driving in day time, night driving requires more skills and techniques as the overall visibility is less. Always make sure that all your lights and light signals are working fine (pre trip inspection) and also make sure that your windshield is clean. You may have to reduce 10-20 % of your normal speed.
Here we are only discussing the use of high/ Low beams.
Switch on the headlights when the visibly is decreasing (evening 6 pm to morning 7 am-varies on seasons)
Only use your fog lamps in case there is fog/mist/rain.
In most of the countries, usage of high beams is prohibited. In India, we can use high beams occasionally. Please check the below conditions.
Use of high beams is prohibited in city limits and all the roads illuminated with street lights.
Use of high beam is prohibited, if there is a vehicle ahead of you within 200 Meters. This is because your high beam will create a shadow of the vehicle ahead of you and it will hide his/her visibility. Also his/her eyes will be disturbed from the reflections from his/her rear view mirrors (modern cars mirrors solve these problems up to a limit). Keep in mind that, if the vehicle ahead of you is not safe, it will also affect you as you are following them.
Use of high beams is prohibited, if there is an oncoming vehicle. The reason almost everyone knows and never followed.
In case of a blind curve, use a high beam just for a moment to alert oncoming vehicles.
Challenges in Night Driving.
Most of the roads are not designed and constructed properly for night driving.
Illuminated/ reflective Road signs are neither existence nor maintained properly.
Visibility is less on our roads and there are so many broken patches and potholes.
Cat Eye Studs are very rare and non functional in most of the cases.
That is all for today.
Regards, BINOY N S
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