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Driving a car safely: Don’t be Fast or Furious

Ford made driving a car pleasure

Henry Fords model T
The Model T

In today’s world of mobility, transport forms an important part of our life. It was in the year 1892, a guy called Henry Ford built his first gasoline-powered buggy. Henry Ford always wanted to build a horseless carriage and in 1896, he constructed his first model car, the Ford Quadricycle. Driving a car has since been fun but be careful to drive your car safely.

It took Henry Ford another 12 years to launch Model T which became a super hit car. The car also known as” Tin Lizzie” was known for its durability and versatility. Henry Ford thus became a legend for not only inventing this 4-wheeler but also for the famous assembly line production which is used by modern-day car manufacturers.

Driving a Car in earlier days

In the ’70s and the ’80s, learning car driving was not so organised. I remember all my cousins used to learn and sharpen their driving skills on their father’s official car. The Driver bhaiya used to teach the skills starting from “ABC” – Accelerator, Brake, Clutch.

Driving a Car: Learning through Driving schools

Modern day cars are safe to drive
A modern day Car

These days learning car driving has become somewhat simpler with the driving schools that have mushroomed all across the city. While the younger generation is a fast learner, it is the older ones who take time to learn the skills.

In modern-day society, we have men and women both driving a car. Driving a car can also be linked to Women’s liberation. A recent example is when women of Saudi Arabia were granted the right to drive a car.

Driving a Car in Saudia Arabia is big step forward
Women can now drive a car in Saudia Arabia

Women are a bit cautious while driving a car. When it comes to using car accessories, they skim the milk to the maximum. The side-view mirror is used not only for looking at the traffic coming from behind but also as a mirror to fix the position of the sun-glass. The rear-view mirror is not only used to look at the car following you but also for a quick lipstick update. Horns are meant to scare cow, buffalo, goat and the idiot looking men who venture out on the road from no-where. Windows are hardly pulled down as the incoming breeze plays a villain with the shampooed hairs.

Driving a Car on the right is a right

Women score highly when it comes to driving a car safely
A car driven by Deepika

Half the time, women are questioning the traffic authorities on why to have 3 lanes marked on the road. They have been taught to drive on the extreme right, aligned with central divider. So, there is no need for the 2 white markings on the road for lane classification.

There is always a constant debate happening in the media on whether to have speed governors in cars to avoid accidents. But women are safe drivers. They maintain a constant speed of 50 km/hour by pushing the accelerator with constant pressure. They are least bothered about what speed the rest of the traffic is driving.

Charming the traffic constable

Women drive safely but still need to be careful
Caught by the Police

This is a skill  which men will never be able to match. When caught by the traffic police, the constables are told that the car’s real owner is the husband and therefore she is not sure where he has kept the insurance paper, registration, and the pollution certificate.

Amendments required in the Car Driving rules:

  1. Women should be allowed to talk on mobile while driving a car as they are used to multi-tasking.
  2. You can overtake a car from the left if the car is being driven by a woman.
  3. Drivers who are continuously honking from behind to overtake from the right should be put behind bars.

Learn more about the new traffic amendment bill 2019:

https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/policy/new-motor-vehicles-bill-2019-heres-the-complete-list-of-fines-you-will-pay-for-traffic-rule-violations/articleshow/70471748.cms

Driving a Car Safely

Men feel that they are better drivers but I feel that women are safe drivers. You will hardly find any woman driving rashly or trying to overtake other cars in a zig-zag fashion. Also, in terms of following traffic rules like stopping at a red-light or parking only in a parking zone, they are much ahead of men. Drink and drive is something which is a rarity amongst woman.

In late-night parties, it is my wife who drives back home. It’s a separate issue that I have to convince her 10 times. My wife is a very confident driver and during the day she makes at least 2-3 trips every day to the tailor, parlour, malls, and meetings with friends. But the moment I request her to drive she comes out with some great logic like in the night her vision gets blurred from the headlights of oncoming traffic.

The Crush on the Bus

Moving slightly away from the theme I would also like to describe the buses of Delhi.

While driving a car on the road we see buses coming at great speed in our rear-view mirror. What do we do? Well, our responses are directly linked to the looks of the buses. Buses can be classified into 5 different categories. These are:

The timid and the coughing ones

Driving a car safely is a challenge with DTC bus around
The Old DTC Bus

These are the old yellow-green DTC buses which have lived past their life but still have to be at work to support their family. They drive at the speed of the bicycle and you always take chances to overtake them.

The aggressive and the rude ones

State Roadways buses with are aggressive in their looks
The State Roadways buses with the demonic looks

These are the Haryana, UP or state roadways buses who just have to move forward in spite of any roadblocks coming their way. Their face is like a demon who is on earth to pick few human souls. You never take punga with these guys and give them space to overtake.

The Meethi churi buses

The new DTC buses with low lying floors
The new DTC buses with rear mounted engines

The current Red and Green colored low-lying DTC buses. These buses come from nowhere and suddenly you see them standing right at your back in your mirror. They don’t make noise due to a rear-mounted engine and have a face which is smiling but if you don’t give space, they will just climb over you. It’s like you are reading a message of a very close friend on the phone and suddenly your wife hugs you from behind and tries reading your message. You are surprised by her presence which you didn’t notice.

The new generation romantic buses

Volvo buses have a refreshingly new look
The New Volvo buses

These are the new Volvo buses. Beautiful to look at in your rear-view mirror and asking you politely to give space to overtake. You fall in love with them at first sight and like a gentleman eagerly give them space. It’s like a beautiful lady asking you to give her some space in a crowded bar so that she can walk to the exit. Your bad luck that you noticed her only at the time of her exit.

The Business-minded professionals

Force Motors buses used as shuttle services
The Shuttle Bus services

These are the Force manufactured buses that are being used by Ola as shuttles. They are very business-minded and will overtake you from left or right without bothering to check with you as they have to reach their target on time. They look like a professional in a business suit with a tie. Seeing them you are reminded of your Boss who only talks to you about your targets.

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