By T.K. Malhotra (President)
For a smooth movement through traffic, it is important for a driver to know how to stay in one lane, change lane, negotiate turns, reverse the vehicle and park it Eye, hand and foot coordination are essentially required for these basic driving manoeuvres.
Most of us find it difficult to control and manage all the three movements in accurate order. We brake too hard oversteer and accelerate at a rate of knots. However, with composure and constancy, we may learn to combine these movements.
While on road, it is essential to deal with may emergency situations and learning the right way of perform basic driving manoeuvres thus important. For example you would have to use a movement similar to the one used for changing lanes in order to avoid hitting an object on the road.
Where do you want your car to go? First realise that many new drivers tend to turn the steering wheel to much (over steering) because they are using a tender or part of the hood as guide. The right and proper way to stay in the path of your lane is to look well ahead, and make only sight steering corrections as needed. Do not forget to use the centre lane and edge of the pavement as guides.
How to change lane:- Check your side and rearview mirrors for the approaching traffic before making a lane change. Signal the direction in which you have to turn and simultaneously check for the other drivers who may also be moving into the same lane.
Before turning your wheel, quickly turn your head and glance over your shoulder for any vehicles that may be in the blind spot on the side you are turning toward. The drivers ahead can suddenly slow down or those behind may speed up. Be sure to maintain a safe distance and space cushion while you change lanes. Exercise great care in choosing a time to make your move smoothly without causing interruption to the traffic flow.
How to reverse:- Failing to look both ways behind is the most common mistake drivers make when reversing. Mirrors even with wide angle do not reflect a full view. To be able to see as much as possible place your right hand at the lop of the steering wheel, turn your body and head to the left and look out through the rear wind screen. Reverse slowly, make quick glances to the front (for clearance), and side (for traffic) continue looking back until the vehicle is stopped. Do not trust the mirrors when reversing - remember to turn your head for a full view.
How to negotiate a turn: - Give the proper turn signal both with hand and indicator as a fresh step and then get into the desired lane. Right turns are more dangerous than left turns because you are crossing head on traffic paths.
Be habitual to signal at least 100 feet before your reach the turning point, if driving at a speed of 50 to 60 kms per hour. For lesser speed, signal at least 50 feet in advance. Begin to slow down, increase eye scanning movements - check front and rear traffic as well as both directions on the cross road. Look for pedestrians and motor cyclists.
Make a habit to stay in the same lane through your turn, scan along the turn path. Halfway around the corner, accelerate gently and left the steering wheel return to the straight ahead position.
How to turn around: - Making three right turns and a final left turn is the safest and quickest way to drive on the round about. Number of right turns can be reduced depending upon your route.
In some cases such as a dead end road, you have to turn your car completely around. You may follow these suggestion.'
 Select a place where you have at least 500 feet clear visibility in each direction.
No attempting of turn around hills, curves or anywhere visibility is limited.
Check for the sign prohibiting the turn.
Finally remember that in the above situations responsibility for avording an accident rests with you.
How to make U-turns: - It is not the legal right of a driver to make U-turn anywhere he/she likes. So first look for prohibiting sings. In business districts, cities and towns. U-turn are allowed at intersections only.
Move into the right lane on two-way carriage or your side of the road.
Check traffic signal, stop and then signal a right turn.
Make sharp right turn check again for traffic and room to complete the turn.
Slow finish your turn positioning your vehicle in the far left lane. Straighten the wheels and proceed.
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