Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. A driver must obey all traffic laws and be prepared to react to other drivers and driving conditions.


Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Persons doing any of the following may be committing acts of aggressive driving.

Aggressive driving is a serious problem that is responsible for many traffic accidents and fatalities. It is to your benefit to avoid aggressive drivers and potentially dangerous situations. If you encounter an angry or aggressive motorist:

Alert Driving
A driver must concentrate on the road and drive defensively.


Concentration
Operating a vehicle safely demands that the driver concentrate on driving. The person should be rested, calm and not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. One of the greatest hazards of roadway driving is drowsiness or "highway hypnosis". Lack of sleep or fatigue affects your ability to safely drive your vehicle. When taking a long trip, avoid drowsiness by stopping frequently to drink coffee, exercise or nap. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the roadway. Make sure you are properly rested.


Defensive Driving
Plan ahead for the unexpected. Always be prepared to react to the other driver. Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do. Do not think you know what he or she is going to do. If you cannot avoid a crash, remain calm and try to choose the least dangerous situation. For example, running into a ditch is less dangerous than a head-on collision. Also, your chances of survival are greater if your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.



Vehicle Following Distances

Two-Second Rule
Following a vehicle too closely is called "tailgating". Use the two-second rule to determine a safe following distance. Select a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign, tree or overpass. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two". You should not reach the object before you count to one-thousand-two. If you do, you are following too closely. Most rear-end collisions are caused by the vehicle in back following too closely.

The two-second rule also applies to your speed when you are on a good road and during good weather conditions. If the road and/or weather conditions are not good, increase your distance to a four- or five-second count. If you are being tailgated, move to another lane or slowly pull off the road and allow the vehicle to pass.



Vehicle Speed

Minimum and Maximum Driving Speeds
Driving too fast or too slowly may create a dangerous situation. Regardless of the posted speed limit, weather and traffic conditions may make it necessary to drive more slowly. However, driving too slowly also can be dangerous. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic, as long as it does not surpass the maximum posted speed.


Stopping
The ability to stop your car safely should be considered when deciding your speed. Consider the following:

Rain
When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery. When this happens, increase your following distance. Take special care on curves and turns and while braking. Your headlights must be on when operating your wipers. Parking lights are not acceptable.

When rain begins to fall heavily, your tires may "hydroplane". This means the tires are riding on a layer of water and not on the roadway. Avoid hydroplaning by slowing down. If you skid while hydroplaning, try to regain control of the vehicle. Otherwise, release the accelerator and ride out the skid.


High Winds
Wind can be a difficult problem for all drivers. Wind is especially difficult for drivers of trucks, recreational vehicles, campers and trailers-in-tow. In high winds, reduce your speed and make steering corrections when you go from a protected area to an open area and when meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses. Heavy rain or sleet often accompanies high winds. Be alert to wet or slippery areas and plan for those conditions.



Special Driving Situations

Night Driving
Night driving is difficult because things may appear differently than in daylight. Also, glare from lights may interfere with vision. Courtesy and common sense should be used when driving at night.

Curves
Slow down before beginning the curve. Do not brake suddenly as this may cause skidding or locked wheels. Never drive over the center line.


Skidding
Skidding occurs when tires lose traction. If you skid, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction and then straighten your vehicle.



Cellular Phone Usage
When using your cellular phone while driving, always remember your number one responsibility is driving. If you do use a cellular phone, take the following precautions:

	•	Always assess traffic conditions before calling.
	•	Be familiar with the phone's keypad - use speed dial if possible.
	•	Place calls when stopped, or have a passenger dial.
	•	Ensure phone is within easy reach.
	•	Use speaker phone/hands-free device.
	•	Avoid intense, emotional or complicated conversations.
	•	Avoid talking on phone in congested traffic or bad weather.
	•	Pull off road to dial or complete a conversation.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a deadly poison. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are weariness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, headache and ringing in the ears. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having the exhaust system checked regularly. Also, leave the window partially open when starting the engine, while driving the vehicle or when running the engine while parked. Never run the engine in your garage.



Fuel Economy
With petrol prices so high, the media is awash with lists of petrol-saving tips. By changing your driving habits you can improve fuel economy right away. Combine several tips and perform routine maintenance and you will save real rupees, not just cents.


Aggressive vs. Moderate Driving
The most significant way to save gas is: YOU, the driver. And we're talking massive fuel economy gains. Don't mash the gas when you start up. Take the long view of the road and brake easy. This tip alone can save you unbelievable amounts of gas. If you slowed your 0-to-60-mph acceleration time down from your current 10 seconds to a more normal city pace of 15 seconds, you'll feel the savings immediately.


Lower Speeds Saves Gas
Remember a thing called the speed limit? On most highways it is 90 kmph. How fast are the cars and trucks around you going? 100 kmph? These people are wasting a lot of gas for the chance to get there a little earlier. Factor in safety concerns and a speeding ticket once or twice a year and going fast is a costly proposition.


Check Your Tire Pressure
No matter how many times drivers hear about the importance of tire pressure, most of them don't do anything about it. They probably don't like squatting beside their car in a busy gas station with fumes swirling around them. But is it important? The answer is yes, for a number of reasons. Properly inflated tires are less likely to fail at high speeds. They wear more evenly and, yes, they deliver better gas mileage. Experts swear by it. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for inflating the tires of your vehicle.


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