I have had the best part of my life with the fastest Indian in the world. Well you guessed it right. Narain Karthikeyan is his name. The fastest Indian was the best speed master you could ever watch in action on the track. But come to city roads, especially the normal roads, the master would get to be a normal driver with a sense of responsibility that is reflective of a true dutiful citizen.

I think that was one of the most important way he had a message – Safety begins with me.

With the advent of mobile phones and other gadgets which have become very personal, everybody is ON literally even while driving. Checking updates on Facebook, Whatsapp, and may be on the BBM, and ofcourse a call to disrupt the smooth drive.

Its quite often the instinct that makes us take calls, not understanding the risk that it poses to us and other people around or on the road. The best part is that even in the most sophisticated cars I have seen people holding to the mobile phone and a slanting head talking vigorously on the phone.

I know there are things which will need your immediate attention, but not that to the cost of a dangerous driving. I recall having paid a fine, for taking a call. This happened some 10 years before. I had just answered a single phrase after switching on the phone. “on my way” was all I said, but then I was already in the sight of the police officers as I turned the bike. That was the last time I took a call on a bike or when driving a car. People have got used to the fact that if I am not answering a call – driving could be one of the reason.

I hold myself valuable to the missed call and to that effect I reply them as soon as I get down.

The word initiative in English starts with ‘I’ and so much relevant to anything we would like to start positive. Possibly smile at people on the road and thank them when they are courteous would make a lot of difference. We need that initiative to start from our side so we can make for a better roads to drive and ensure safe journey.

Welcome to NSDF!

Nissan has been championing the cause of safe driving and today has touched over 2 lakhs citizens through the initiative – Nissan Safety Driving Forum.

The program which began as an annual activity in 2012 covered three main Indian cities – New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai – and since then has gradually expanded to several additional cities across India.

This year, NSDF all set to cove 8 new cities in Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Vadodara, Nagpur, Chennai, Mangalore and Kochi. The overall reach and engagement levels have phenomenally grown and NSDF has effectively reached close to 2 lakh citizens. It continues to stay committed to its core objective of promoting safe driving behaviour in India.

Did You know you could actually get real action during the event – how safety works?

Through this initiative NSDF aims to make safe driving a priority and also gives knowledgeable insights into driving and other safety features with its interactive activities. This would contribute to a young mobile and vibrant country in the long run.

It would be great if more people came forward to be a part of this initiative and make it happen – reduce fatalities in the roads. Here three cheers to the inititaive

So to achieve a great safe road, some basics that needs to be done irrespective of the fact whether they are mandatory or not, we need to follow these basic rules. Why I used the word mandatory in the previous sentence is because, I hail from Tamil Nadu where Helmet and Seat belts are not mandatory while its mandatory in Kerala and Karnataka! The govt could be least bothered with our lives doesn’t mean we can also be careless. For that matter when has the govt been careful or had worked towards a great roads.

Rule 1. Stick to the right side of the road – In India its the left of the road.

Rule 2: Wear Helmet on a bike and ensure seat belt in a four wheeler.

Rule 3: Never take a call on a ride or a drive.

Rule 4: Don’t exceed Speed limits even if there is on one on the road.

Rule 5: Start early and don’t have to be in a rush.

Rule 6: Follow traffic signal lights – helps everyone especially when the traffic police is not there.

Rule 7: Use headlights judiciously, high beam and low beam only to communicate.

Rule 8: Do not overtake from the left.

Rule 9: Follow all the above and have a great time driving. Life is a journey! Enjoy the drive!

Before I end I leave you with a small video from Think

And also a nice read about a gentleman constable in Bangalore. Click here!

Now to the headline, I thought we need to drive the message that a Hello need not be a start to a conversation especially when driving, it could be the last good bye!

Senthilkumar