Eight Golden Rules of Defensive Driving for Indian Roads

Eight Golden Rules of Defensive Driving for Indian Roads

By: Soudamini Mujumdar

It’s easy to learn how to operate the accelerator-break-clutch mechanism, but much more difficult is the task of navigating risks while driving on roads. A major part of this skill comes with experience. But if you are just learning to drive a vehicle, then keeping in mind some scientifically proven methods of defensive driving can definitely help you navigate dangers on road.

Defensive Driving: What does it mean?

Defensive driving is a method of driving vehicles on roads while keeping yourself safe and keeping away from hazards by identifying them using proven techniques and tactics. There are defensive driving trainings available for people who want to learn driving vehicles in a safe manner. Some of the defensive driving courses are free whereas some are chargeable.

Defensive driving is a good quality that all drivers must build. Here are some of the top defensive driving rules and tips for your first time drive on roads. And even if you have been driving for a long time, keeping these points in mind can be quite beneficial and helpful to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

1. Look ahead further
   While driving on the road as a new driver, people often only look at the vehicle right in front of them. While looking at the car right in front of you might save you from any immediate danger, it might not be the best practice in general. When driving on a busy road, you must always look 4-5 vehicles further ahead on the road to keep a track of the traffic movements and potential turns and speed breakers ahead. This will prepare you for any hazard or danger which is still further ahead.
   
   
   
2. Have an escape route
   While driving or riding on the road make sure you have a way to move your vehicle on an alternate path in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops. Always leave a path out and make sure you are seen while you change lanes or opt for the escape route.
   
   
   
3. Follow the 4 second rule
   The four second rule in driving refers to the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you in terms of time. In simpler terms, if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly, you should have a distance which would give you four second to deflect your path and avoid collision. Also, the four second rule applies to normal traffic conditions with a good weather. In case of bad traffic conditions such as fog or driving at night, you must add one second each for each of the poor conditions you are encountering.
   
   
   
4. Make sure all four car wheels are on same level
   In India, roads are often quite unpredictable with many roads being divided between tar and concrete or between tar and rocks. When driving your car on such roads, always make sure that all four wheels are on the same level and not on different levels. If two wheels of a car are running on concrete and two wheels on tar then this can cause imbalance and lead to drifting or skidding of the car.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Prepare for others’ mistakes
   This is one very overlooked aspect of driving safe. While you use the road in the best and safest possible way, you have to keep in mind that not everyone has the same skill and mindset as you do. People look at roads differently and are bound to ignore the safe driving precautions which come naturally to you. A way of driving in a defensive manner is to mentally prepare yourself for other peoples’ mistakes and not try to correct everyone or blame your fellow riders on their driving behavior. This will help you keep yourself at peace while driving.
   
   
   
6. Keep emergency contacts handy
   While everyone hopes to never have to encounter a accident or a fatality on road, it is always wise to keep these emergency contacts handy while on road. It can be as easy as calling an ambulance or calling the towing facility nearby in case your car breaks down. If you are travelling across states in India, it would be wise to find out the road traffic assistance contact numbers for highways so that you can ask for help whenever you need it. This can either be for yourself or for any other fellow road user.
   
   
   
7. Avoid distractions while driving
   Avoiding use of mobile phones is quite a common rule while driving your vehicle which is also fined heavily in some places. But avoiding distractions is not just limited to use of mobile phones. It also applies to any distracting talks you might be forced to listen to while driving or to the behavior of children in the car. These can be potentially distracting and can cause accidents. Make sure you avoid these distractions and stay focused while driving.
   
   
   
8. Use a defensive driving app
   If you are working n the field where driving on a regular basis is necessary or if you help young drivers learn how to drive, using a defensive driving app can be very helpful and can be useful for you to keep practicing these things in a safe environment. DriveiQ is one such app and simulated driving training module.
   
   
   

These eight golden rules can help you drive defensively on the road while staying focused and alert. If you are learning to drive a car or a bike, it is a wise move to always keep these points in mind and follow them. This will not only give you an edge over other drivers, but will also ensure that you unintentionally cause any accidents on roads.