Tips for Safe Driving

Be Safe. Drive Safe.
Overview
One should pay full attention while driving a vehicle and completely avoid any distractions. It is also an automobile owners responsibility to keep his vehicle in the best condition so as to avoid any accident while driving on road. While driving a vehicle the responsibility for ones life and the life of others rests with the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, it is required for an automobile driver to comply with all the rules and regulations laid down by the Traffic department and also drive a vehicle keeping in mind the following tips which would most certainly making the driving experience more pleasurable and safe.

Automobile Tips
Avoid distractions like speaking on the phone, talking to fellow passengers and listening to music while driving.
Lane Driving is ALWAYS Sane Driving.
Never Drink and Drive.
Avoid Road Rage.
Adhere to maximum Speed Limits.
Never Jump a Red Light.
Stick to the Rules and Regulations as laid down by the Motor Vehicles Act.

Driving Speed in India
National Maximum Speed Limit for a Light Motor Vehicle & a Transport Vehicle is 65 Km/Hr.

Overview
Vehicles on the roads are allowed to ply under a ceiling of Speed Limit also called the maximum speed limit. Driving speed are fixed by the Central Government, the authorised body. It has fixed Maximum Speed Limits for different classes of vehicles at a national level. The State Governments have been authorised to fix the Minimum & /or Maximum Speed Limits provided that such maximum speed shall in no case exceed the maximum fixed for any motor vehicle or class or description of motor vehicles by Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
There is a variation in the Speed Limits for different kinds of vehicles in the states of India.

Motor Vehicle Act'88
No person shall drive a motor vehicle or cause or allow a motor vehicle to be driven in any public place at a speed exceeding the maximum speed or below the minimum speed fixed for the vehicle under the Act or by any other law for the time being in force.
Here we will discuss only the speed limit fixed by the Central Government at a national level. The following table will guide you to check the speed of your vehicle:

Vehicle Overtaking
Never overtake within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossing and never change the lane suddenly by cutting in front of another vehicles.

Overview
Vehicle overtaking, also known as 'passing,' is changing lanes or driving around another vehicle to move past a slower vehicle. Do not overtake other vehicle unless you are sure that you can do so without putting yourself in a danger position. In this section we will discuss about the procedures or the guidelines of overtaking.

Lane Designation and Vehicle Overtaking
On highways the speed of the lanes are designated. The fastest lane is the one closest to the center of the road and the slowest to the edge of the road. Usually the following features are common on highways:
The lane designated for faster traffic is on the right.
The lane designated for slower traffic is on the left.
Most freeway exits are on the left.
Overtaking is permitted to the right, and sometimes to the left.

Vehicle Overtaking Tips
To overtake other vehicle or rather car overtaking as it is in lane driving, make sure that you are without danger to do so. Follow the undermentioned tips before overtaking:
Use the right-turn indicator to signal that you want to overtake. Be sure the way ahead and behind is clear before overtaking.
Check out for scooters or motor cycles that may be hidden from view in front of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles in front that may be turning right.
to overtake. Watch for vehicles in front that may be turning right. Immediately after overtaking, give indicator that you want to get back to the same lane. Get back to the previous lane when you can see all the front of the vehicle you are passing in your rear view mirror. Do not cut off a vehicle by suddenly moving in front of it.
Never race if the vehicle you are passing speeds up. In this situation get back into your original lane.

Distractions While Driving

Overview
As per a research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of USA, an estimated 25 % of 6.3 million automobile crashes reported each year involve some form of driver distractions. While driving, people should only concentrate on driving. The other things should be given less priority than driving. Always remember that someone's life depend on your driving. Follow the following tips while driving.

Measures Taken While Driving
Always concentrave on driving, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.
Don't drive in a distracted mood.
If possible do not involve yourself in convesations with co-passengers.
Use your horn sparingly and only to remind others of your presence.
Don't drink and drive.
When entering a roadway or changing lanes, allow other drivers to maintain speed.
Do not eat or drink while driving. Always consume food when the car is safely stopped.
Drive in the right or middle lane. Pass on the left.
Signal several hundred feet before turning or changing lanes.
Respect pedestrian right-of-way in cross walks.
Don't block intersections.
Obey speed limits.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Stop at stop signs and red lights. Don't run during yellow light.

Traffic Rules
Keep on your left, allowing the vehicles from the opposite direction to pass.
Give way to traffic on your right, especially at road junctions and round abouts.
While turning either left or right, give way to vehicles going straight.
While turning left, keep to the left side and turn close to the left side of the road to which you enter.
Slow down at the junctions, intersections and pedestrian crossings. Also slow down near school zones, temple areas etc., where a lot of pedestrians and vehicle traffic move. Give signals before you make any manoeuvre, indicating your intention, so that the other road users can adjust accordingly.
Always use a helmet if on a two-wheeler and always check that the strap is fixed properly.
Stick to the given speed limit and remember that speed limit is related to the traffic condition.
Keep enough distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid collision.
Yellow lines should not be crossed under any condition.
At junctions or intersections, never park the vehicle beyond the stop line.
At pedestrian crossings always remember that the pedestrian has the right of way.
At the signal, do not stop your vehicle on the Pedestrian Crossing.
Two-wheelers are meant only for two. Third person is not allowed, even children.
Do not start your vehicle on the amber light. Wait for the light to turn green.
Overtake only from the right side of a vehicle. Never overtake on bridges, narrow roads, junctions, school zones and pedestrian crossings.
Do not drive in a zig-zag manner.

Traffic Violations
Violation of traffic rules in India is punishable and so also violation of Provisions of Motor Vehicles Act.

Overview
Traffic Violations Law lead to punishment. The penalty can be a fine or even imprisonment. The violation can be overspeeding, racing in a public road, dangerous driving, drunken driving, unattended vehicle or any other act that is a hindrance to a smooth traffic. The following are few of the traffic violations according to the Motor Vehicle Act.
Driving a vehicle under the influence of liquor (Sec. 185 Motor Vehicle Act).
Driving without valid Driving Licence (See. 3 rd with Sec. 181, Motor Vehicle Act).
Driving at Speeds that exceed limits (Sec. 183, M.V.Act)
Driving with only one light in front (Rule 37 (xii) read with Sec. 177, Motor Vehicle Act).
Using dazzling lights (Rule 405 read with Sec. 197, M.V. Act).
Using the horns in a forbidden area (Rule 403 read with Sec. 177, Motor Vehicle Act).
Use of air horn / musical horn (Rule 402 Motor Vehicle Act).
Parking in no parking areas (Rule 37(x)read with Sec. 177, M.V. Act).
Vehicle emitting excess smoke (Rule 115 (I) C.M.V. Rule).
Failure to give proper signals (Sec. 121 read with Sec. 117, M.V.Act).
Rash driving (Sec. 184, M.V. Act).
Failure to stop vehicle when required by any Police Officer in Uniform (Sec. 132 read with Sec. 177, M.V. Act).
Non-compliance of directions given by any Police Officer in the regulation of traffic in public places (Sec. 119, M.V. Act read with 179, M.V. Act).
Failure to observe the rule of the road (Rule 37(i) read with Sec. 177 M.V. Act).
Violations of all restrictions, (Rule 411 read with Sec. 177 M.V. Act).

Unattended Vehicle
What, if you leave your vehicle at some public place. What will happen if your parked vehicle is causing hazard to the traffic. Know them all in this section.
If any vehicle is left unattended in a public place or abandon it, it is liable for removal by the police.
If any motor vehicle is left unattended in any public place for more than 10 hours, it can be towed away under the instruction of the police officer even if it is in a permitted parking place.
If the vehicle is left unattended or abandoned or partially dismantled and is creating a traffic hazard due to its location in the highway or causing impediment to the traffic, it can be immediately removed by towing under the instruction of the Police officer.
Note: In all such cases the owner of the vehicle is responsible for all the towing costs as well as any other penalty.

Driving Emergencies
Driving should be done very carefully. While driving you should also be aware of driving emergencies. Car driving emergencies tips should be known to everybody. It helps to overcome any type of accidents during emergencies.
This section deals with safety tips during emergencies. Check out yourself and know what to do when the tyre bursts or in case the steering cease to work. Be a smart driver and keep all these measures at your finger tips.

Tips for Emergencies
The following explains you about what to do when its is a brake failure while driving, how to overcome situation of steering failure, if tyre bursts how to keep the vehicle in control and lots more.

In case of Steering failure
When steering cease to work while driving, it can be the worst situation. Follow the given tips and never get panic.
Reduce speed
Apply brakes

In case of Brake failure
Brakes are the most important part of any vehicle. When it fails all of a certain people generally tend to panic. Don't do that. Follow the tips given below and try to keep it on your finger tips.
First do not panic; when you panic, you cannot take correct action.
Take your foot off the accelerator and rapidly change gear down.
Use hand brake.
Steer to the side.
In case of Tyre burst
If tyre bursts while driving it is very tough to have a control over the steering. This can lead to a serious accident. What to do in such situation, check out here.
Hold the steering wheel tight to control the pulling and halt the car quickly.

Precautions to be taken at intersections
Check out here what precautions are to be taken at intersections. Intersection is a place where accidents tend to happen.
At intersections, stop, look and then enter.
Always give way for traffic on the main road.
At the intersection of two main roads give way to traffic coming from your right.
At all round abouts, traffic on the right has preference.

In case of Skidding
It can occur due to bad tyres, due to spilt oil on roads and wet surface in rainy weather. It can also occur when you apply sudden brake or take a sharp fast turn.
While it is skidding do not apply brake but gently steer in the direction in which it is pulling.

Automobile First Aid Kit

Meaning
First Aid is the initial care given to the accident victim. Many deaths and impact of injuries are prevented with First Aid if the casualities are treated immediately. This timely care means the difference between life and death. The care should continue till the arrival of medical help.

Overview
Automobile first aid kit refers to the simple first aid kit which has to be carried everytime when you are on drive. Auto first aid kits contain the basic medicines, bandages and other medicated accessories that are required just after the injury.
As auto CDs and a bottle of drinking water is required while you are on drive, automotive first aid kit is also necessary. So never forget to carry it.

Basic Aims of First Aid Kit
What should be the main purpose of first aid kit. Know the basic aims of the kit here.
To save life.
To protect the casualty from getting more harm.
To reduce pain.
Note: It is necessary to keep a first Aid kit while driving.

Reference: http://www.surfindia.com/automobile/safe-driving-tips.html