SAFETY TIPS

Safe Driving Tips

Whatever kind of car you drive, some basic safety strategies can help keep you out of harm's way when you're on the road: Find a good driving position. Position the seat so you can just hang your wrist over the top of the steering wheel when you extend your arm. Adjust the head restraint so it's directly behind but no touching your head. Hold the wheel symmetrically, at about 3 and 9 o'clock, so you can steer left or right quickly and precisely.

	Go with the flow. Keep up with traffic if conditions permit. A wide disparity in speeds is dangerous.
	Avoid cars that drive in formation on the highway so you're not involved in someone else's accident.
	Keep track of traffic. Look far down the road and keep your eyes moving to spot any problems before you reach them. Check your mirrors frequently.
	Think ahead. Keep thinking of possible traffic emergencies, and plan escape routes.
	Do not hog the right lane. That is a passing lane, not a "fast" lane. Keep right except when passing. Don't try to block speeders.
	Use the signal lights - Signal lane changes as well as turns.
	Wait to turn right. When you're stopped in traffic, waiting to turn right, keep the wheels aimed straight ahead until the way is clear. If you wait with the wheels cut to the right, someone could hit you from behind and push you into incoming traffic.
	Help incoming traffic merge. If you're on the highway, you can help entering traffic merge safely and smoothly by temporarily moving over a lane if traffic permits.
	Brake at the right time. Slow down to a safe speed before you enter a turn. Hard braking in mid-corner can upset the car's balance.
	Don't use the phone while you drive. A recent study found that using a car phone while driving quadruples the risk of having an accident. The risk was the same for "hands-off" phones as it was for phones people hold to their ear.
	Protect your night vision. Don't stare at approaching headlights. If you're being blinded, focus on the right shoulder of the road.
	Catch some sleep. Don't drive when you're sleepy. If your eyes tend to stay focused on one spot, that's a danger sign. Pull over as soon as you find a safe place and nap for a few minutes.

Overtaking safely on Indian roads
- Overtaking is perhaps one of the simplest and yet one of the most dangerous maneuvers that one can perform on the road. It demands a clear knowledge of what is ahead, and what is behind your vehicle. It requires correct application of mind over machine so that the man remains in control of the situation and there is no cause for concern.
  
  In simple terms, overtaking means to move ahead of another vehicle, which is moving in the same direction. If all the vehicles moved at the same speed there would be no scope or need for overtaking. However this is not so. Moreover, the mixed traffic on our roads would make it impossible. Thus it becomes necessary for fast moving vehicles to overtake slower moving ones.
  
  Overtaking involves anticipation, judgment of speed and distance, and the judicious use of various accessories in the vehicle, like rear view mirror, side view mirror, gear, steering and accelerator in what can be called a split second exercise.
  
  In our country, overtaking is allowed from right side only. However, in case a vehicle intends to turn right and indicates as such, it can be overtaken from the left. On a two-way 3-lane road, the middle lane is the overtaking lane. Vehicles from both the directions can overtake using the middle, as such extreme caution needs to be exercised in this case.
  
  Before one embarks on the maneuver of overtaking the vehicle ahead, he should evaluate the hazards that could exist and threaten him and his vehicle. Also, the driver must be certain that everyone involved is able to see him. Therefore overtaking in blind areas is best avoided. Especially is areas such as bends, approach to a corner, near junctions and intersections and cross roads.
  
  It is wrong to overtake near pedestrian crossings, narrow roads, when you are being overtaken and if you have to cross the middle yellow line to overtake. The driver should confirm visually, an adequate gap in front of the vehicle to be overtaken so that the vehicle may easily merge in the traffic flow. However, do not cut in the lane soon after you have overtaken a vehicle. Allow sufficient gap behind your vehicle for smooth merging.
  
  Once you are sure that there is no hazardous situation ahead and adequate gap exists for you to overtake, sound horn or flick lights to alert the driver ahead. Also make sure that someone behind you is not trying to overtake you. Once you are sure that no dangers are lurking around and overtaking is going to be smooth and proper, accelerate and overtake quickly.
  
  However, do bear in mind that you should not start accelerating before you move out for overtaking, because acceleration drives the car straight ahead and this pushes your vehicle closer to the vehicle ahead thus reducing the maximum distance required to overtake. Also, over speeding while overtaking should be avoided.
  
  Keeping the speed limits in view it becomes imperative for a 2-wheeler or a transport vehicle to allow a LMV to overtake when all other conditions are favourable.
  
  Overtaking can be quite a safe procedure provided you know what to do and how to do it properly. Overtaking on dual carriageways, with divider in the middle is much easier. Another very important aspect of safe overtaking is that one should not treat it as a personal challenge. Some drivers take it as a personal affront if a particular vehicle remains ahead of them for a considerable period. They won't let up till they have overtaken the vehicle, whatever the risks. We should not try to prove that "me and my vehicle is an unbeatable combination".
  
  Overtaking on the busy and crowed roads of our cities can be unproductive due to the numerous traffic lights, overcrowding ahead and a variety of vehicles on small narrowing roads. It is advisable to avoid overtaking, to save one self from a lot of stress, while driving on the city roads.
  
  A last point of caution. While being overtaken, let the other driver pass, by slowing down. Let the vehicle overtaking, get back in the line in front of you. Safe overtaking procedures can prevent many major accidents, which happen on our roads. Follow the principles of safe overtaking while on the road.

Respect other Drivers

Courteous driving is a key to reducing traffic crashes.

	Yield the right-of-way at intersections.
	Give proper signals well ahead of time to let others know what you are going to do.
	Keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you.
	Do not weave in and out of traffic
	A yellow light means to SLOW DOWN and be prepared to STOP.
	Many crashes occur due to people rushing to "beat" the yellow light.
	ALWAYS obey school zone speed limits and stop for school buses with flashing lights.
	Give the right of way to emergency vehicles

Safety Measures for Lady Drivers

Women at the wheel are still the topic of crude humour in our country. In most cases despite no fault of theirs, ladies are blamed for any accident that they maybe a part of. Police records will definitely show our roads are not safe for ladies. Thankfully, this situation is not unique to the Indian sub-continent since it is common in the developed countries as well.

Research shows that attacks against women are premeditated and we have sufficient reason to believe that offence is the best defence. In most cases, boldness and presence of mind on part of ladies are extremely helpful in such situations. Rely on your common sense rather than physical strength and you can never go wrong.

One of our colleagues was driving home late in the evening when a van overtook her car and one of the passenger signalled as if something were wrong with her car. Although she does admit considering that she pull over and checking her car, her superior common sense prevailed and she drove on straight to her residential complex. When she reached home, she found nothing wrong with the car.

Obviously, what is true for lady drivers also holds good for men also. Remember, a confident response to an apparently unsafe situation will work to your advantage. Learn to develop confidence and rely on your instincts. Here are a few tips that will ensure your safety on the tarmac.

	Keep your car doors locked from inside and windowpanes rolled up while driving.
	At red light crossings, avoid getting in to conversation with strangers who may want to know the directions. You may sound discourteous but it is unavoidable for your own safety.
	Never give credence to what the drivers of other vehicles may signal. If it is an emergency, you will any way come to know of it.
	If you feel you are being tailed, drive to a crowded spot, where any thing untoward will be immediately noticed. You can even drive straight to a police station.
	Keep your car well maintained with sufficient fuel to avoid breakdown.
	If your car shows signs of an eminent breakdown, don’t stop midway and drive slowly to a known service station. Never keep your purse, mobile or laptop on the front seat exposed to the eyes of passers by.
	If possible, don’t drive alone, always have a companion with you.
	Incidents can also take place while you are parking your vehicle. These too, can to a large extent, be avoided by taking some precautions. Never park your car in a poorly lit area at night-time. If it is daytime don’t choose a deserted area to park your car.
	Take care not to park near walls, fences or trees, as they could provide shelter to anti-social elements.
	Park your car in such a position that in case you have to leave in a hurry, you can drive out fast.
	Don’t leave any valuables in the car nor sort out your valuables in the parking lot.
	Always Lock your car when you leave it.
	Before you get back in to the car check the front and back seats for any intruders.
	If you are leaving your car keys with the parking valet, ensure that you hand over only the car keys and not your other keys.
	If you can install a remote operated locking system in your car, it is an additional safety feature. Avoid buying petrol during the dark hours.
	While putting the luggage in the boot of your car, stand at the sides so that you can see if some one approaches you from the behind.
	If you feel you are being followed, do not stop but call-up 100 in case you have a cell at hand. Otherwise note down the registration number, colour and make along with a description of the driver of the vehicle tailing you and report it to the nearest police station.
	If you have to leave your car for one reason or the other, lock all the doors and take your valuables with you

Things to remember before you ride your vehicle
- Things to remember before you ride your vehicle
  
  Remember that a motorbike is very different from a four-wheeler as far as safety is concerned. The chances of it going out of control are high and hence utmost care and caution has to be taken for a safe ride.
  
  Wear your Helmet:
  Always wear your helmet for safety. While buying a helmet see to it that you do not compromise on quality. Get the best quality even though you may have to shell out more money.
  
  Brakes
  Have both your brakes checked regularly for malfunction.
  
  Proper Control:
  Having proper control of your vehicle is of utmost importance. Remember jay walkers unlike the west are a common phenomenon here. You never know when you may have to apply sudden brakes.
  
  Passenger Load:
  You may be an experienced biker, but see to it that you do not carry more passengers than permitted.
  
  Tyre pressure:
  Check out on the tyre pressure, the suspension etc regularly
  
  Pillion Rider:
  Instruct your pillion rider not to keep shifting causing shaking of the bike lest it go out of control.
  
  Luggage:
  Also remember that your bike does not have large space for carrying luggage. Carry loads with caution. Position them well and also fasten the load on to your bike tightly. As far as possible check it regularly.

Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain

Heavy rains can quickly reduce your visibility and create slippery and hazardous road conditions. Even the best drivers can get a little nervous about driving in rain, but it can be a bigger challenge for seniors or people with disabilities, who may have slower reflexes and vision limitations. Before You Start...

PREPARE FIRST
Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.

CHECK YOUR BRAKES
If you successfully pass through a deep water hazard, test your brakes. They may be saturated, and only driving very slowly and braking lightly at the same time will generate enough heat to dry them out. Be sure they are pulling evenly on all wheels before building up speed again.

HOW ARE YOUR TIERS ?
Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your tires run over water, the water is displaced and it needs somewhere to go quickly. The best place is between the treads of your tires. If your tires are bald, the water has no place to go and you end up riding on a layer of water, like a boat.

TURN ON YOUR WIPERS
Replace your wipers regularly, at least once a year. Wiper blades in bad condition don't clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view. Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced. The arms bend over time and sometimes can't keep enough downward pressure to clear the windscreen, even with new blades installed. Wipers will often clear light rain from the windscreen with a few sweeps, then run on an almost-dry screen and leave smears of drying dirt.

After You Start...

	Slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
	Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
	Maintain proper following distance. This needs to be increased in wet weather.
	Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you. Especially, don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
	Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.
	Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
	Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.
	Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
	Never drive beyond the limits of visibility.
	Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
	When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
	Stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.
	Slow down! This should be obvious but it also very important. People are so used to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.

Tips for Night Driving
- Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day, yet many of us are unaware of night driving's special hazards or don't know effective ways to deal with them.
  
  Driving at night is more dangerous than during the day. One of the obvious reasons is darkness. Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised after sundown.
  
  Fatigue also adds to the danger of night driving. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.
  
  Alcohol is the single most significant factor in fatal traffic crashes, playing a part in more than half of all motor vehicle-related deaths. That makes weekend nights more dangerous. More fatal crashes take place on Friday and Saturday nights than at any other time in the week.
  
  Effective measures to minimize these after-dark dangers can be taken by preparing your car and following special guidelines while you drive:
  
  Prepare your car for night driving.
  Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows once a week, more often if necessary.
  Aim your headlights properly.
  Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
  
  Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue. Avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision. Turn your headlights on if there are any doubts. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they'll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.
  
  Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.
  
  Don't overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area. If you're not, you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
  
  Keep your headlights on low beams when following another vehicle so you don't blind the driver ahead of you.
  
  If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.
  
  Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest.
  
  If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Warn approaching traffic at once by setting up flares or reflecting triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on flashers and the dome light.
  
  Observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down. As your eyes are adapting to the constant change in amount of light, twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive.
Tips for Relaxed Driving
- Car comfort and health wasn't such an issue in the days of yore since near- vertical bench seats mounted high- which is why the stately Ambassador is still up there in the comfort stakes-took sensible care of many a sensitive back and neck while two-wheelers merely constituted status symbols.
  
  Earlier, they weren't that many automobiles on the road and they weren't too reliable either. And we used other modes of transport. But now times have changed and most of us have learnt to enjoy (and even abuse!) the pleasures of driving. So how do you cut down on trips to the family physician when all you do with your vehicle is take your lovely lady or gentle gent for a spin? Surely, it takes more than an apple a day.
  
  What you need to do to protect your neck first. Get hold of a tape measure and try to see how far off the ground is the main part of the seat where your backside will rest. If it is a two-wheeler, try mounting, staying on top, and dismounting a dozen times or so. If it is a car, get hold of some seats that are exactly that height. Place them at home and watch television for an hour or so.
  
  In both cases, if you end up stretching your neck, your back will soon be in trouble. Regardless of your height, go back to a vehicle where the sitting position leaves your neck comfortable.
  
  That means you may not be able to go for the sleek high-speed wonders being sold across our Indian sub-continent these days. It isn't just about ease of entry and egress but also about how comfortably you can see the long, winding road and its inhabitants unwind in front of you.
  
  The next most important thing is to see how comfortable are your arms on the steering wheel - they should be just slightly bent while holding them out straight in front of you.
  
  If your two-wheeler has adjustable handlebars or a till-wheel, so much the better. Work your wrists around the position to see if there is any unusual strain. If your endows are bent a little too much then you are asking for trouble. Likewise with the foot-pedals - a useful add-on would be a footrest for the left foot.
  
  Varying the way you press on the accelerator - at times with the toe, at times with the side of the foot, sometimes with the side of the foot and at some more times with the full foot should prove helpful.
  
  Whatever you do, do not neglect your back. What do you do when that irritating pain starts in your back? Invest in a small - sized pillow and prop it up behind the small of your back. If you find yourself pointing your head upwards to gain height and your eyes looking down to see the road, then you are in trouble.
  
  One of the most useful tools to avoid from medical bills is seat belts. They keep you safe and secure in event of an accident. Besides, they push you back into the seat and always in a comfortable position. And mainly, they help you 'roll' with the car while turning steeply instead of fighting the motion.
  
  Sad but true, nothing can fight the fickle finger of fate. If an accident or mishap is destined then nothing can avert the inevitable. And it is your duty and right to protect yourself as far as possible or at least minimise any damage or injury to yourself and your family.

Two Wheeler Safety Tips

Carrying Passengers on your two-wheeler

A motorbike is very unlike any other vehicle like a car or any other four-wheeled vehicle, as it does not have any of the safety measures that are present in them. Therefore, driving a motorcycle is a task that has to be taken with the utmost caution. If you intend to carry passengers on your bike, there are a few precautions you must take for a safer ride.

To start with, you must be an experienced biker, and your motorcycle should be equipped to carry passengers other than you.

As it takes time for you to adjust to the other person's weight, you should ideally drive at a slow speed before revving up the engine. Take it slow, initially.

It will help if your co-rider is seated directly behind you, and after you've started the bike. He/she can assist you in asking for route information, traffic signals etc.

Apart from your driving skills, a few technical details are to be taken into count. This would include modifying your suspension to withstand additional weight, checking tyre pressure etc.

Ways to brake properly on your two-wheeler

	You are moving along merrily, a song on your lips, and suddenly…disaster strikes. There's a pothole right in front of you, and before the brakes could be applied, you are down under.
	To avoid this scenario, you should have a fairly clear knowledge about applying the brakes and stopping your bike whenever needed.
	To start with the basics, a two-wheeler has two brakes, in which the front is operated by the right hand, the rear by the right foot. Needless to say, both are needed to stop effectively.
	However, in an emergency, or even otherwise, you should apply both the brakes simultaneously, not one at a time. If you apply the front brake first, it will assist you in slowing down, and immediately, the rear one can be applied.
	As for how to apply brakes, though there is no set rule, but it will help if you squeeze the front brake first, and then press down the rear brake, with increasing pressure. Brake gently and with caution when you need to take a turn while braking. Use both the brakes

Follow these guidelines and drive safely

	Riding a bike is a fun, exciting and practical way to get around. It is also a risky activity. These risks can be minimized/avoided if you care to follow a few safety norms. Here are a few points that just may save you some trouble down the road.
	Get in gear - A helmet, eye protection, boots and gloves best protect you against injury in case of an accident. Be sure to wear them every time you ride.
	Get insured - Make sure you and your cycle are both properly licensed before you head out. Get insured so that you and your passengers are adequately protected. And make sure you are aware of the current road conditions.
	Ride smartly - Use your headlight, avoid other drivers' "blind spots," don't make rapid lane changes and be prepared to use your horn so you can be certain other drivers see you.
	Ride defensively - Three-fourths of all two-wheeler accidents involve collisions with automobiles. They happen because the driver of the car did not see the two-wheeler. That is why it pays to be aware of what the other vehicle operators are doing - or might do - when you ride. Be extra aware of drivers waiting to turn left across your path at intersections since this is the most frequent problem.
	Keep your distance - Don't ever stop directly behind another vehicle. If you leave enough space, you'll be able to maneuver around the vehicle in front of you in case an approaching vehicle doesn't see you and can't stop in time.
	Don't drink and ride - About half of fatal two-wheeler accidents involve alcohol. That is because alcohol and other drugs impair your ability to make sound judgments. So when you're drinking, let someone else do the driving.
	Have your bike checked regularly - Follow the recommended service schedules for your bike and have all repairs made by an authorized dealer. What's more, always check your bike's tires suspension and controls before hitting the road.
	Learn to share - Having someone on the back of your bike is a big responsibility. After all, weight has a tremendous effect on handling. So before you give someone a ride, instruct them on proper riding techniques and make sure they have appropriate protective gear.
	Helmet - A helmet protects your head, and is the only thing that keeps you from a fatal head injury. It is supposed to break on impact. Only a good quality helmet should be bought. The jaw covered is the safest.
	Brakes - Remember to check your brakes every time you take your bike for a drive. Also remember to do this when you collect it from the garage. In the rainy season water goes into the shoes and brakes may not work - Drive slow. This may also happen at steep slopes -don't speed up at the slopes.
	Air pressure - always remember to check the pressure in the tyres. It is especially important to keep the correct tyre pressure when going on a long drive. This helps you to travel safely on rough terrain. There is also less wear 'n' tear for both the tyres and the bike, and it gives more fuel efficiency.

Carrying Loads

	Unlike a four-wheeler that has ample space for any luggage you might want to transport from one place to another, your bike is not equipped for any such function. If the load is too heavy, imbalance is always a possibility. However, small loads can be carried with caution.
	Proper positioning and fastening of the load is a must. Try keeping the load light and low. Check it at every stop that you make for proper fastening and positioning.
	The load should not be kept behind the rear wheel to avoid affecting the centre of gravity and balancing of the vehicle.
	Though most of us do not care to go through the owner's manual, it is extremely important that you consult it before carrying any kind of loads on it.
	Do not keep the objects in separate bags but encase them in one so that you can easily manage them. Also, an uneven load will cause the bike to lean on one side, making it dangerous.

Careful in heavy traffic

	Try to stay out of other motorists' blind spots. Two-wheeler riders always need to assume they're invisible to everyone else. Desist from weaving in and out of traffic. If this is done, drivers cannot predict where you're going to be next and might even get nervous and swerve into you.
	Double-check the passing lane before you pass. Pass only in instances where it's legal and safe.
	The load should not be kept behind the rear wheel to avoid affecting the centre of gravity and balancing of the vehicle.
	Always carry a cellular telephone and a roadside emergency card in case your cycle breaks down or you get into an accident. Never follow too closely behind large cars or trucks where you can't see road hazards until it's too late.

Protect Your Eyes

	Eyes, the most sensitive sense organ, are exposed to the pollution and swift wind that may cause irreparable damage to them. Therefore protection of this most precious gift to mankind is to be kept in mind while riding a motorbike.
	The use of a helmet is the best mode to keep particulate matter (like dust and dirt), rain, insects and debris away from your eyes, besides providing safety to your head and face, in case of an accident. But enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses is essential.
	Wearing a face shield is also advised if you wear glasses to prevent them from being blown off.
	Moreover goggles should not be worn while driving at night and even during the day time dark glasses should be avoided as they may reflect the sunlight into others' eyes.
	The other consideration while choosing glasses or goggles should be that it covers your eyes entirely. Do not forget to check if the glasses are shatter proof or not. In the eventuality of an accident, you must not run the additional risk of having shattered glass pieces in your eyes.

Position yourself

	A two-wheeler is in itself a dangerous vehicle, to be driven carefully. Balancing is an art that has to be mastered while driving a motorbike. Proper positioning is one of the related points that come to mind while on the subject. To make motorbike riding safe, it is advisable that the handgrips are held firmly so that you do not lose control if you happen to skid or have to stretch while driving.
	Try not to sit at a distance from the handle as it will impede quick reaction when you need to veer away in the opposite direction, or make other directional changes. An erect body while driving helps in better driving.
	Your foot should be in the perfect position while driving a motorbike. The best position would be a firm footing on the foot pegs. While ensuring that balance is maintained, it would also be near to the controls, and make life easier and safer while driving through crowded city streets.

How to Drive in School Zones

It's easy to forget what it's like to be a kid. But drivers, especially when they're in school zones, always need to remember how children think and act around traffic.

Steps:

	Slow down. Don't speed around schools or in neighborhoods.
	Watch for school zones. If any school-zone sign in your neighborhood is not easily seen, work with the school to get the situation fixed.
	Take special care around school buses. Be ready to remain stopped for as long as a school bus loads and unloads its passengers.
	Expect the unexpected. A child's reaction to danger differs from that of an adult. Sometimes the approach of a car will prompt a child to run faster across the street instead of staying on the sidewalk as an adult may do.
	Expect what's to be expected, too. When a ball or a dog goes into the street, look for a child to follow.
	Watch the ground. Sometimes a glimpse of feet is the only warning that a young pedestrian is about to enter traffic. Look also for bicycle wheels and moving shadows.
	Scan from side to side to stay aware of children playing on the sidewalk or along the road. Because their eyesight and hearing are still developing, children may not always sense when a moving car presents danger. In fact, a surprising number of youngsters become injured running into the sides of cars.
	Look around, under and between cars and other objects. Because children are small, they can be hidden.
	Be alert in parking lots. The street is not the only place of danger. The combination of kids, buses and cars trigger a lot of incidents in school parking lots and driveways. Don't let your guard down

How to Drive in the Fog

Driving in the fog is dangerous - much more dangerous than most people realize. Minimize your likelihood of getting into an accident by being aware of the hazards and knowing how to drive in foggy conditions.

Steps:

	Slow down. Most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and couldn't stop in time to avoid a collision.
	Turn your lights on so others can see you. Don't turn on your high beams, which are directed higher and will just reflect light back at you.
	If you leave the road, be sure to pull off completely. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your flashers so others know you're there but won't think you are driving on the road.
	Think about what other drivers see when they're behind you. If you are constantly tapping your brakes, you'll likely make them nervous - and they'll be more likely to pass you.
	Use your wipers and defroster to keep the windows clear.
	Watch your speedometer. Fog scatters light and reduces the contrast between objects. Studies have found that the longer a driver is in fog, the faster he or she drives. Avoid falling into this dangerous trap.
	Turn off the radio and turn down the heater. Listen for other cars approaching before making a turn. 8. Remember that other drivers have a limited sight distance and that fog makes the roads wet. Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don't stomp on them.

Tips:
The best course of action in heavy fog is to get off the road and wait for the fog to clear.

How to Ride a Motorcycle at Night

Riding a motorcycle after dark takes additional skills. Here are some things to think about before you enter the darkness on two wheels.

Steps:

	Motorists can barely see a motorcycle during the day. Expect to be nearly invisible at night unless you are riding a white bike loaded with extra lights.
	Plan your trips to minimize night riding. As you get older you'll find that your vision may become another reason not to ride at night.
	Ride with your low beam on at night but be ready to use the high beam to see farther down the road.
	Try to wear reflectors on your helmet and jacket.
	If you have loud pipes, be more sensitive of the noise level as the evening wears on.
	Be sure to wear clothing that will keep you warm as the temperature drops.
	Be sure to carry a cellphone and small flashlight on the bike.
	Be wary of animals darting out in front of you, especially dogs and cats. Be prepared to stop completely if necessary to avoid being struck by dog or cat.
	Drunk drivers will be on the road with you. Try to be ready to avoid them. Also, don't drink and ride – ever.
	Be careful rounding unfamiliar curves where loose gravel or sand may await you.
	Avoid bad areas where residents may attempt to steal your bike or do you harm under the cover of darkness.

Tips:
Wait until you become a proficient motorcycle rider during the day before you attempt to ride after dark.

Auto Theft: Tips on How to Prevent It
- Lock your vehicle and pocket the keys
  
  The majority of stolen vehicles are left unlocked, often with the keys in the ignition. Whether you leave it for a moment or for several hours, always lock it and take the keys with you. NEVER leave your vehicle with the engine running. This is an open invitation to the "joy rider".
  
  Secure Valuables and Parcels
  
  Never leave unattended in your vehicle, cheque books, credit cards, or other such articles. Lock valuables in the trunk.
  
  Park in Well-Lit and Busy Areas
  
  This is important for both your personal safety and the protection of your automobile and its contents.
  
  Secure Your Registration
  
  Carry your vehicle registration with you.
  
  Identification
  
  Criminals have also found it profitable to steal equipment and accessories. Engraving tools are available to mark equipment and accessories such as batteries, stereos and hubcaps.

Keep your bike secure- Basic Security to protect your Bike

Although bikes may seem harder to secure than cars, basic security is a must. To make life as difficult as possible for both the casual and professional thieves, make sure you do the following:-

Parking

	During the day park in a busy, public place.
	At night, park in a well lit area.
	Try to vary the parking place.

Locking up

	Always engage the steering lock.
	Whenever possible, attach the motorcycle to an immovable object or another motorcycle, using high tension steel cable and a high quality padlock, or a U-lock through the rear wheel or bike frame.
	Don't leave your crash helmet, or other possessions, attached to the motorcycle or in pannier bags. Bike security
	Fit a motorcycle alarm, available from bike shops, and make it conspicuous. An alarm warning sticker will help put off the opportunist thief.
	Provide proof of ownership and evidence for police to use.
	There are various methods of security marking, all inexpensive and easily available, carried out professionally by dealers.

How to Brake Properly on a Motorcycle

Motorcycles have two brakes - the front operated by the right hand, the rear operated by the right foot - and both are needed to stop effectively. Below are some important guidelines for braking safely on a motorcycle.

Steps:

	Use both brakes each time you slow down or stop. If you use only the rear brake, you may never learn how to use the front brake properly when you need it.
	Squeeze the front brake and press down the rear brake smoothly, gradually increasing pressure as needed. Jerking the front brake or hitting the rear brake hard can cause the brakes to lock up, resulting in skids and control problems.
	Apply both brakes simultaneously. Many riders believe the rear brake should be applied first. On the contrary, the sooner you apply the front brake, the sooner you slow down.
	Complete your braking before entering a turn, when possible. If you need to brake when turning, you can use the front, as well as the rear, brake, as long as the road isn't very slippery and you apply the brakes gently - you've less traction available for braking when you're leaning the bike.

Tips:
Remember the front brake provides about three-quarters of your stopping power. It's safe to use in quick stops when you apply it properly. Check your owner's manual for a detailed explanation.

Courtesy : "www.autoindia.com"

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