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Originally Posted by Hayek Very interesting thread. The only rule that struck me as strange is the requirement that you reverse by turning around rather than by looking at the mirrors. I learnt to reverse looking at the mirrors even about 20 years ago. Not sure if that was right then, but in modern cars with a optical parking sensor (such as my Superb) or parking cameras, you get a much better perspective through a combination of the mirrors and sensors / cameras than by turning around.
As some people said, some of the rules for driving in the West can kill you if you assume they apply in India. For example, ... So even if you want to follow the rules, be conscious that others will not do so. |
Hayek, the point about usage of all 3 mirrors to reverse the car is valid. The reverse-camera also provides a good view. Sometimes the mirrors and cameras provide a distorted view e.g. the ORVMs are convex and distort the perception of distance. When you physically turn and look back, it provides a distinct view not offered by any other method. Not trying to promote this method, just offering a point of view.
About the practicallity of the basic rules in Indian context, its a brilliant point. I am pretty sure quite a lot of folks would have given up reading on this thread after the first 2-3 posts because they belive its impractical in India.
I am planning to compose a couple of posts specifically talking about how we can adapt these basic things to the Indian context.
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Originally Posted by justwheels A well deserved 5 stars to the thread. Thanks a ton for sharing so deeply on a topic often termed as mundane in Indian terms.
It was nice to go through the rules in a nutshell and revise what is true theoretically. Unfortunately Indian driving conditions are so more diverse than the West, that it is good to know the rules, but is equally good to know the exceptions to each rule. Lane driving is beyond sanity in this country. Most of the traffic drives on the lane markings, I wonder why. (may be we should have a line marking in the center of the lanes too).
Nevertheless, a wonderful thread. |
Thanks for the rating! The point about lane-discipline is bang on! I believe the basic Indian attitude of "one-upmanship" is the root cause. Most of us do not have any respect for other person's existance & rights. Given a chance we are all ready to sneak past and come ahead of others. Driving/stopping in the lane - exactly behind somebody else - robs people of the opportunity to sneak past and I believe that's why they stop off-center.
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Originally Posted by silverado SDP : A big salute to you for this thread, thanks buddy.
Forget comparisions between USA and India, even in Maharashtra itself drving patterns vary a lot.
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Thanks silverado.
Its interesting that the pattern changes as per city are observed in US as well. e.g. driving in Manhattan or downtown Chicago is quite intimidating for folks from other places. Patience and courtsey levels are noticeably different.
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Originally Posted by shridhar.s.i @SDP, indeed a very good thread, should be part of the induction process to TBHP
Rated it 5 stars
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And yes, though we dont favor the parking sensors and a reversing camera, for me they have been a boon
1. Multiple times i have been able to avoid dogs / kids bicycles as the sensors manage to pick them up as obstacles
2. the Night vision in camera makes parking in low light very easy |
Thanks for the rating Shridhar! Even I like the convenience provided by the parkign sensors and reverse camera in my current car. Once I was trying to reverse and turn at the same time. The side of the car came dangerously close to a pillar. In another second or so, I would have scrapped the side. Since it was to the side, the pillar was not visible in the reverse-camera image. The parking sensor did pick it up, but I believe (at least in my car), it starts beeping a bit late. I turned back and interestingly I was able to see the pillar from the last quarter glass.
I believe we all should try the various methods and adopt what makes more sense for our own car.
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Originally Posted by Orange GTX Dear SDP,
I must salute you for your genuine and earnest effort to educate the common people regarding driving and road safety. I honestly admit that I was not aware of many things which you mentioned.
I will definitely try to learn and implement all these measures.
Sadly, in India, the one who follows traffic rules is considered as an alien. We, as Team BHP can surely change the Indian Roads to a better and safe place for all of us. As they say, Charity begins at home.
Once again, thank you very much for your article. God bless. |
Thanks Orange GTX for the kind words! I know the feeling of being an alien and getting all those weird looks from others when you are driving the correct way. I just forgive those ignorant souls and move on.
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Originally Posted by AdiSinghV12 A very nice, well put together and important writeup. Thanks and big up to SDP. Will try to follow evertything's that's written. |
Thanks AdiSinghV12! All the best! It will feel weird initially and frustration is practically guaranteed when others barge in the safety cushion that you want to leave. Persist and you will notice that the nicks/scrapes/dents and near-misses go down significantly.
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Originally Posted by mkpiyengar What does the following signal mean.
...Cheers
MKP |
MKP, Indians have invented their own signal system. Never mind!
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Originally Posted by SujAce Hi SDP,
Excellent and Interesting Article. TBHP members should share these with friends and family and let them go thru' these once for better driving sense.
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Anyhow, if right-minded individuals start implementing / following these traffic rules, maybe there could be a brighter day ahead. |
Very well said, SujAce! If even a few start, the situation would marginally improve. Who knows, may be others would follow. I hope that I live to see the day when it reaches the "tipping-point".