In this essay we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Safe Driving 2. Importance of Safe Driving 3. Tips.

Essay # 1. Meaning of Safe Driving:

Safety is one of the most essential factors that one should look at while driving a vehicle. When it comes to driving a vehicle, one could either be a good driver or someone who can’t drive. There is no in-between status for a driver. Now-a-days it’s becoming more and more common for road accidents to take up the headline space in a daily newspaper. Many people lose their lives in road accidents.

One should pay full attention while driving a vehicle and completely avoid any distractions. It is also an automobile owner’s 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.

There are all types of drivers on the road, from teenagers to the elderly. Everyone on the road is supposed to be licensed. Unfortunately, a driver’s license does not always ensure common sense and responsibility on the road. Safe driving is crucial because things can happen behind the wheel in a fraction of second.

Year over year accidents increases even though infrastructure of nation is growing fast and providing better ways of driving on the roads especially highways. Previously there were single lane and now the double lane, four lanes and six lanes have come. But number of road accidents increased with the luxury transports and heavy vehicles. Government and many non-profit NGOs organize road safety weeks and create awareness about the road safety.

Essay # 2. Importance of Safe Driving:

Driving safety is something to be taken very seriously. Safe driving not only saves life but also provide other benefits that can save money.

The importance of safe driving can be seen from the following points:

a. Fuel efficiency is increased by safe driving i.e., by eliminating frequent stops and rapid acceleration.

b. Safe driving can help prevent accidents.

c. Driving defensively makes a person a more cautious driver, and his insurance premiums will lower as a result.

d. Because of safe driving, tyres will have a longer life as it involves gentle braking and acceleration.

e. Another importance of safe driving is that engine will not be strained during hard braking and fast accelerations.

f. Driving safely helps in avoiding hefty fines or imprisonment for traffic violations.

Essay # 3. Tips for Safe Driving:

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 make the driving experience more pleasurable and safe. One should take some precautionary measures while driving the vehicle (car, truck etc.) on the roads to prevent major accidents.

Some of the safety tips for driving are regarding:

1. Starting.

2. Turning.

3. Reversing.

4. Changing Lanes.

5. Overtaking.

6. Parking.

7. Speeding.

9. Driving on Wet Roads.

10. Driving on Hills.

11. Night Driving.

12. Driving Long Distance.

13. Road Signs.

14. Other Safety Tips.

1. Starting:

The dashboard panel has indicators, which shows oil, fuel and battery power status. Most persons who drive newer vehicles take these for granted, but it is a good habit to take a look at these indicators every time one starts driving.

2. Turning:

Use correct indications while turning. While turning left or right use the turning indicator lights. The person must ensure that he/she is in the correct lane so that one doesn’t have to cut across lanes. Something as simple as turning a car causes several accidents.

Right turns are more dangerous than turning to left, as one has to cross through oncoming traffic on the other side of the road. While taking a U-turn there is need to stop and watch for traffic from the left while giving way to the other vehicles behind.

3. Reversing:

While reversing watch out for pedestrians and other obstructions that may be on the road.

4. Changing Lanes:

The person should indicate his intention to the driver of the vehicle following him, a reasonable distance before an attempt is made to change lane.

5. Overtaking:

One should overtake only when he/she is absolute sure about safety. When one is driving at higher speed, perception of distances and speed can be distorted. Maximum numbers of road accidents occur while vehicles are trying to overtake. Always overtake from the right on straight roads. The driver should signal his intention of overtaking by blowing the horn or by flashing the headlights.

6. Parking:

Parking should be done in such a way, which do not obstruct or cause inconvenience to others. Park the vehicles only in places where it is permitted to park. Before parking makes sure that there is ‘no parking’ sign.

7. Speeding:

Drive the vehicles at a comfortable speed. One should drive at safer speed, suitable to the road conditions. Optimum fuel efficiency is achieved at 50 – 60 km/h speeds. At 80 km/h vehicle consumes an avoidable 30% extra fuel. At slower speeds one gets substantial time to react to unexpected actions of other drivers and pedestrians and to ever-changing factors like light, weather, road and traffic conditions.

8. Stopping:

A person should indicate his intention to stop. First slow down and then stop. Don’t stop vehicle by applying brakes abruptly unless it is absolutely nec­essary to do so. Most people fail the driving test because they do not know how to stop. Several accidents happen when a vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops. While moving behind another vehicle one is required to maintain a safe distance from that vehicle.

9. Driving on Wet Roads:

Driving on wet roads require extra caution. Make sure that tyres, brakes and wipers are in good condition. Drivers are cautioned to be extra careful when the first rains fall. The road at this time is covered with dust and mud, which along with rainwater forms a film that reduces the grip of the tyre on the road. One can easily skid under such conditions.

10. Driving on Hills:

Driving on hills also requires extra caution. Check brakes of the vehicle before the start the journey. There is need to engage the correct gear before climbing up or descending a steep road. The driver should follow road traffic signs more carefully. Never turn off the engine or put the gear in neutral position while going downhill as it is very difficult to control a vehicle.

11. Night Driving:

While driving at night, check that headlights are properly adjusted for high and low beam. Keep windshield and windows clean. At night it is more difficult to judge speeds and distances as the visibility is poor. The glare of oncoming traffic can blind a driver making him lose concentration. Driving at a controlled speed helps in stopping the vehicle in time to avoid an accident.

12. Driving Long Distance:

Take breaks and get refreshed at intervals while driving for long distance. Long distance driving can make a person tired and causes fatigue, which can dull his reflexes and judgment. When person feels sleepy, don’t attempt to drive further.

13. Road Signs:

Observe the traffic signs on the sides of the road and follow them, like speed brake ahead, speed limit 20 km, school zone etc.

14. Other Safety Tips:

a. Always wear seatbelts.

b. Never use mobile phones while driving. Mobile phones increase the chance of a collision by nearly 400%.

c. Avoid drugs both before driving and while driving,

d. Don’t do practice driving in the highways.

e. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time. Speeding does not increase ability to arrive on time; rather it only increases the chances of not arriving at all.

f. Avoid driving in “No-Zone” area.

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