“NO WAY OR THE HIGHWAY” they say. Well, we are taking you to the HIGHWAY today with some of our driving expertise as company.
When driving, we all know some of the basic do’s and dont’s that we need to abide by to practice safe driving but driving on the highway is total different ball game. For all you driving enthusiasts out there, we bring you the 8 most important tips for a stress free driving on the highway. Most of these are going to be an eye opener for you.
1. ALL THAT BEGINS WELL ENDS WELL
Remember having your bag packed by your mom when you were growing up. Well that’s it. Treat your car like a kid. Keep your Driver’s licence, Vehicle insurance, Pollution certificate, Vehicle tools, Spare wheel, Water bottles. On your visit to the fuel station, have your tank made full, check the Tyre Pressure and coolant. Now you are all set.
2. KNOW YOUR FOUR WHEELED BUDDY
Know to what limit you can push your vehicle and drive within those safety standards. Not all vehicles come with features like power steering, ABS, Cruise control. Remember that you are safe as long as your vehicle plays along. It is also important to know basic things about other vehicles around you like heavy vehicles take longer to stop which means you need maintain the right amount of braking distance required.
3. DO NOT TAIL
Friends even in a two lane highway, assess from a distance and change your lane when you see a two wheeler or a slow moving vehicle. At those high speeds you do not want to be pressing on the breaks or taking sudden turns trying to overtake them. It will kill your speed and time.
4. KNOW THE PHYSICS OF OVERTAKING
Speed, Time and Distance are key here. When overtaking the vehicle in front, make sure you maintain enough distance to be able to see its back tyres. Don’t let its tail block your view from overtaking. Find the right time and signal the incoming traffic on that lane for at least 3 seconds before you make the move. Stomp the accelerator. Off you go!
5. DON’T TAG ALONG WITH THE WOLF PACK
In Indian highways no matter how many lanes, you will always come across this phase where every lane is blocked with same speed vehicles going parallel with each other as if they were in a picnic. Unfortunately some of the vehicles following these will also stick to the same speed thus causing a traffic jam scenario and slowing everybody down. Do not shy away from using those horns and move past this wolf pack freeing the way for others.
6. AVOID NOSE-TO-TAIL SITUATIONS
Follow the TWO SECOND RULE – Maintain a safe trailing distance of at least 2-3 seconds from the vehicle in front. This will give you enough time to react and act in times of adversity. When the weather is bad, stay 4-5 seconds behind the driver in front.
7. PUT THAT COMMON SENSE TO THE TEST
In India, you will come across intersections without signals in highways, though most of them will have a speed breaker to slow you down, assess the situation and make your move accordingly. Always assume that the driver on the other end is an amateur. That way you will always be safe.
8. KNOW THE MIGHT OF HEADLIGHT
During the day especially in two lane highways, you could use your headlights for caution in case of rain, fog, smoke etc. If you happen to be a night owl, here is when you need to use High beam and Low beam. High beams to be used only when there are no vehicles around for a better range of visibility. Switch from high beam to low beam for approaching vehicles and when following other vehicles. If at all that happens with you, then keep your eyes on the right edge of your lane. Also use the dim and dip to let others know, you have the right of way.
Hope this article piqued your interest in driving. For any driving lessons , do book us at www.sharpdrives.in. For more information you can always reach out to [email protected].
