Quote:
Originally Posted by chaitanyakrish Somehow I feel, driving in our dense city traffic is spoiling the way people drive.
1. No one uses indicators
2. Squeezing and going
3. Not checking blindspots
4. Weaving
5. Not yielding at intersections
6. Not keeping safe following distance
7. No Lane discipline
8. Overtaking using road shoulder etc
9. Excessive Honking and the list is endless. |
I might be sounding a bit contrarian here but here are things that I practice.
1. I use indicators to shift lanes only when there's a bottle neck of multiple vehicles. On a 4/6-lane highway, with ample space between vehicles, I do not indicate a lane change if I'm faster than the car I intend to overtake on his lane, provided he's at least a good 50m away.
2. Only in an emergency, with ample indication. If I can't make a maneuver without discomforting/brake checking the car behind, I do not take it.
3. Always use all the three mirrors. When in doubt, indicate or use the horn once.
4. An unfortunate circumstance in India, where slow moving vehicles occupy both lanes and sometimes there's one maniac coming in the opposite direction.
5. Right of way belongs to the highway. So if you are turning into the highway, give way to vehicles on the highway. If you're turning off the highway, indicate in advance (at least 200m), move to the correct lane (150m) and soft brake early (50m) before slowing down to make the turn.
6. The rubber band effect of traffic is very real with different vehicles, different loads, different drivers with different demeanors. Anticipate early and slow down in advance. Compulsorily indicate lane changes.
7. Same reasoning as above. Some of them hog two lanes by driving in the middle.
8. Definitely no. Use the shoulder only if you're avoiding something. No sudden steering inputs. Watch where you get off (height difference) and where you get back on.
9. Excessive honking and flashing lights is a bane. Best way to deal with it, is to give way and enjoy your drive.
Quote:
How to develop good habits which can be life saving on highways?
1. Use indicators even if no one is using
2. Follow the proper MSM routine
3. Plan your drive well
4. Follow lane discipline etc
Share your thoughts.
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This has been cultivated over 33 years of being behind the wheel for over 12L kms, driving hatchbacks to SUVs and LCVs.
I follow one golden rule my father taught me, when I get upset by someone's stupidity (like an autorickshaw cutting across forcing me to brake hard). He said, "That's how much that guy knows and that's why he's still driving an auto. If he knew better, he would move up the ladder. So, understand that and calm down. You know better."
Not all of us are privileged to drive and enjoy our drives on the highway. Most of them do it, because they don't have a choice and that's sustenance for them. Give them a bit of leverage and move on.