General Guidelines

The following guidelines need to be followed in every occasion of driving regardless of the context and the type of vehicle.

• Pre-driving: The first and foremost task is to maintain the vehicle properly at regular intervals as suggested by the manufacturer of the vehicle. This will help you to keep the vehicle in good working condition and reduce the risk of accidents due to mechanical failure of the vehicle. It is also important to regularly check the following.

  • Engine oil, break oil and fuel level
  • Coolant level
  • Condition of tyre
  • Brakes
  • Lights
  • Horn
  • Wiper and wiper fluid
  • Ammeter

• You should follow the speed limit.

• Slow down your vehicle while negotiating a curve.

• Do not use a mobile phone while riding as it distracts your attention.

• You should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. The safe distance may also be expressed in terms of time required to stop the vehicle safely. While following a vehicle, always maintain a safe distance which can be covered in 2 seconds or more. This is called 2-Second rule. During adverse weather conditions (say, fog or heavy rain), the time corresponding to a safe distance may be 9 seconds or more. The image shown below presents a schematic image of 2-Second rules for different speeds. It is clear from the figure that as the speed increases the safe distance required to maintain between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead also increases.