Fun. Freedom. Confidence.

Fun. Freedom. Confidence. The ultimate Urban Cross - Datsun redi-GO - the capability of a crossover with the convenience of a hatchback. If you love driving and seek fun while maneuvering on four wheels, I am sure you would be a speed lover. And if you add freedom and confidence to fun then probably the journey is all about speed, safety, confidence, highways, long routes, good company in the car, and so on. Why I chose highways is because whatever be the quality of car you drive, it is bound to go haywire in urban geographies. High amount of traffic, undisciplined driving, not following rules and regulations, congested and broken roads, etc. are some of the speed-breakers that mar your thrill, fun, and freedom. 

What is left is the compelling situation that forces you to drive in such bonded conditions. These compelling conditions could be the location of your workplace, clients, relatives, etc. that you can't avoid despite your hatred towards these shabby conditions that you would like to avoid normally to stay healthy yourself, besides keeping your vehicle healthy. The tragic part is that cars manufactured in India are not perfectly made to cater to these poor conditions prevalent in urban areas. But what if you get a car that perfectly lives up to these conditions and promises to stay healthy and sturdy  on its own thereby offloading you with a burden of worries towards it? 

That is when I came across the best companion Datsun Redi-Go that can help you beat your urban driving blues. This fascinating car is so feature-rich that I am craving to take this unique car out for a spin. I would like to test it within an urban landscape and what would be better than driving it in Delhi where it can pirouette on single lane roads and four-lane roads? It is a different story however, that even on multi-lane roads you see the left-side lanes being blocked due to encroachments and that too in a weird manner, more often than not. 

I would love to test Datsun Redi-Go for mileage, speed, efficiency, safety, agility, performance, and power. If I have to select three top features of this car that make me want to take this unique car out for a spin, it would be: 

I love to highlight safety as a top priority while driving. The Reinforced Crash Protection Shell feature is fabulous. It is a high-strength body shell for absorbing the impact towards passenger safety during any untoward incident. Its body structure is designed to provide optimized torsional rigidity and stiffness. It is UN94 crash-performance compliant. It has better frontal offset crash performance. This feature is powerful enough to provide you with a lot of confidence while you are driving your Datsun Redi-Go. All this makes it a safe, secure and reliable car. 

The second feature that I loved is its Small Turning Radius that makes it perfect for a spin-off on urban roads that are always inconsistent in terms of lanes, size, condition etc. This feature will help me in tackling the abruptly parked vehicles on the road as its compact design provides the ultimate maneuverability This design makes it capable of a full turn-around with a mere 4.7 meter turning radius. 

On urban roads where we have heterogeneous commuters and vehicles ranging from cycles and hand-pulled rickshaws to heavy carriage trucks, the feature christened High Stance comes in handy. The elevated or heightened stance on the unique, powerful, technically strong, and sturdy Datsun redi-Go will keep your head and shoulders above those around you. That will help you enjoying a wider view of the road and the surroundings.

That is not the end. There are plenty of other such features that make Datsun redi-Go my first choice to beat the urban driving blues.  I would any day prefer swapping my Car with redi-GO given its best-in-class composition! :) 

~~~ 

P.S.: All images attributed to Urban Cross - Datsun redi-GO.

Of Mannerisms, Defensive Driving And Road Safety...

New Year's Eve Surprise, well timed by IndiBlogger...

Skull Candy Headphones, coming over...

~~~

June 21, 2013
12 AM
New Delhi

Dear Diary

Today is the day, my daughter turns 18. She will finally be a Major.
Today is the day she embraces adulthood and its responsibilities.

Today is the day, we'll open a separate bank - account for her, without the 'Under Guardianship' tag, among other surprises.
Above all, four days from now, her Driving Lessons begin.
June 25, 2013 is going to be a big day.

In a country like India, and especially in a city like New Delhi, it is a herculean task to maneuver through the roads, safe and sound.

Stepping out on Delhi roads, with their automobile, is bothersome for everyone, and road safety is of utmost importance for times when you are behind the wheel.

One has to learn to master the skill of careful, disciplined and safe driving, over the years. After all, Practice Makes Perfect.

So, when it comes to her, and the factor of Road Safety, I will make sure she learns to make the right moves on the road, because for my family and myself...

Safety Begins With Me!

~~~

When behind the wheel, it is not just one person's safety, that is a matter of concern. The matter of concern must be the safety of our own self, as well as the of ones around us - all motorists and pedestrians.

After all, Life does not come Cheap. It is an invaluable gift from the Almighty, that ought to be cherished and kept secure, at all times.

~~~

Keeping this in mind, I've decided that the next five days will be spent in a constructive manner, to recall and put to practice with the A-B-C-D of proper mannerisms, when on the road, as a person behind the wheel.

I'll write to you, after I train her properly. Bye for now, Dear Diary. :)

~~~

Let us begin with the training, shall we?

This Safety Driving MasterClass stars two leading ladies...

Yours Truly, and...

~~~

Hello Everyone. I'm the one who is turning 18 today. I'm the lady's daughter and will be her sincere student in this Safety Driving MasterClass.

I'll be learning the A-B-C-D of Road Safety and safe driving from my Mother, which will assist me to procure my Learner's License, successfully. Inviting you to garner some knowledge and polish it, too...

I believe you're well versed with the lady who authors this blog, aren't you?

Over to you, Mom...

~~~

Poonam : Let us begin with the basics of the trade...

The basics of Road Mannerisms are something you must be thorough with. Those are the rules which have been repeated ever since you were a kid.

1. The Red - Yellow - Green Guideline. Red to Stop, Yellow to Wait, Green to Go. The colors must be well coordinated and must not be jumbled up, by a careless you, at any cost.
2. The Seat - belt is a must at all times. The belt that holds you back, is for your own good.
3. Never talk on the phone, while behind the wheel. The Phone A Friend may as well end your lifeline.
4. For everyone out there, Drinking and Driving do NOT form a miscible solution, at any time, and at any cost, whatsoever.
5. Do not resort to unfair means, for you are attempting the Exam of Life. Obey the law at all times. If you don't, the consequences will be grave, at all times.

Charu : The five fundamentals of Road Safety, which form the checklist for an alert citizen on the Road, Mom. More like five fingers to a hand... :)

And, oh yes, you must also stop behind the Zebra Crossing, while pedestrians must cross the road only using the Black and White Stripes on the Road.

~~~

Poonam : Learning fast, aren't you?  Let us proceed to the basics of driving, perfect for an amateur. I believe you know the positioning of the A-B-C i.e. Accelerator, Brake and Clutch. Also, the Gear Box, and how you must change gears.

As an alert citizen, and a Defensive Driver, there is a C3 - K - A - C code, as I call it.

Care

Courtesy

Consideration...

For other motorists and pedestrians.

Knowledge, of traffic rules and regulations.

Alertness, for illegal acts and erroneous driving of other motorists.

Concern for accident prevention.

~~~ 

At all times, you must obey the following traffic rules, when behind the wheel.

1. Keep to your left. Allow traffic in the opposite direction to pass you on the right. Overtake only on the right. Overtaking on the left is permitted only when the vehicle in front is about to turn right.
2. When being overtaken or passed by another vehicle, do not increase your speed or try and prevent the other vehicle.
3. Slow down when approaching intersections, road junctions or road corners. Enter the intersection or junction, carefully.
4. When entering a main road from a junction, give way to other vehicles, proceeding along the main road.
5. Drive slowly when passing a procession, or when passing road repairs.
6. When turning to the left, drive close to the left hand side of the road.
7. When turning to the right, draw to the center of the road, stop at the intersection, if necessary, then move to the left hand side of the road you're about to enter.

~~~

There is a Safe Following Distance, which you must maintain.

Stay one car length behind for every 15 k.m.p.h speed. 

This is much like the 'One Arm Distance' you used to maintain in your P.E. Drills at school, isn't it? ;)

The cars here, are like your peers at school...

~~~

Charu: Great going, Mom. Please guide me, as to how I must prepare myself to prevent collisions, or accidents, from my side, too.

Poonam: Good question. That was what was next, in the MasterClass too. Did you sneak in to read through my lesson plan?

Charu: No... :D

Poonam: Anyways. Moving On...

Just like your Mathematical Proofs, and their Cases...

In case of :-

A Possible Collision With The Vehicle Ahead

Stay alert and expect the driver ahead of you, to brake without warning.

Start stopping sooner. When you know you will have to stop, slow down gradually. Do not wait for the last straw.

A Possible Collision With The Vehicle Behind

Signal your intentions well before you slow or stop.

Keep clear of drivers who are 'bumper chasers'. Slow down and encourage them to pass.

A Possible Collision With The Approaching Vehicle

Stay Left. Do not crowd the center line. If the oncoming driver crosses it, warn him by honking or by using your dipper.

A Possible Collision With The Vehicle At An Intersection

Look both ways. As you approach an intersection, look first to the right to make sure that the other traffic is yielding the right of way, then to the left. Keep checking for any unusual action, on either side.

Watch out for curves. Slow down before entering a curve, then pick up speed as the curve permits.

Don't fight for right of way. You have the right of way only when you can see that it is safe, regardless of stop signs.

A Possible Collision With The Overtaking Vehicle

Check the rear. Before you change lanes, check your rear-view mirror and glance back to make sure your blind-spot is clear. Use your indicator light and move only when the lane is clear.

~~~

Charu: Points noted, Mom. How should I infer from the hand-signs and mannerisms of the traffic policemen / police-women?

Poonam: Brilliant question! Here is the resolution to your query...

10 hand-signs from the traffic police personnel and their interpretations, listed alongside, for your reference, everyone...

~~~

Charu: Thanks Mom. Any other topics left to cover, from your lesson plan? :D

Poonam: Yes. You are a motorist when you take to the wheel. But you also don the hat of a pedestrian. These are the two roles, you play interchangeably.

There are, what I call, The Many Faces Of A Pedestrian.

These are the mannerisms of a pedestrian which you must NOT portray. For the times when you are a motorist on the road, you must keep a vigilant eye for such pedestrians.

1. The Sprinter :- You've seen him often. But just barely. In rush-hour traffic, he will sprint across the road, expecting YOU to SLOW DOWN.
2. The Genie :- Pass a stationary or slow moving vehicle, and he will spring out at you, before either of you can see other. Sometimes a Genie may be a young kid in hurry to get across, or an office worker, stepping out from behind a bus. SLOW DOWN when passing such a vehicle.
3. Houdini :- He thinks he can emerge from any engrossing situation. You will find him in the middle of traffic, trying to escape to the other side, by squeezing himself between cars.
4. The Spook :- He steps out for a stroll at night. He is beyond your field of view. If you wish to have a ghost encounter, you must stop within the distance you can see.
5. Answering Machine :- He carries his conversation onto the road, even while crossing. His is a one-track mind, and it is NOT on the traffic. Wield your horn and give him plenty of room.
6. The Band Of Merry Men :- The biggest problem on the road can be the 'tiny tots'. Chasing the cricket ball, across the road is their favorite activity. SLOW DOWN whenever you see them, and give them room.

~~~

Charu: Thanks for a perfect Safety Driving MasterClass, Mom. You are the best teacher ever. I'll ace that Driving Test and surprise you with my Learner's License, on the 25th! :D

Poonam: Go and make me proud! :)

~~~

The next diary entry in my Dear Diary, was the one that accounted for how Charu procured her Learner's License with elan! :)

~~~

This post, on the blog is like a guide, for all the motorists out there, isn't it?

If we all make a promise to ourselves, that we'll abide by these guidelines to the best of all abilities and at all times, India can be made  motorist - friendly and the roads would be safer to drive on, for sure.

~~~

The content for this post has been referred to from a 'Defensive Driving for Safer Motoring' guide issued by the Traffic Police of Delhi, procured by me, 15 years back, from the Traffic Park, New Delhi. The images on the blog, carrying the watermark, have also been sourced from the same.

~~~

The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., conducts the Nissan Safety Driving Forum (NSDF) in India as part of its safety driving promotion activities. The program began as an annual activity in 2012. In its initial phase it 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 would reach 8 new cities – 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.

This post is a part of Safety Begins With Me - Nissan Safety Driving Forum Contest by Nissan India in association with IndiBlogger.
You can vote for it here.

To The Many Babli's In Our Country...

For years, there have been millions, who have been suffering the pain of defecating outside, in the open, midst all kind of germs and infections, feeling guilty, embarrassed, and ashamed, only over the reason of not having a proper toilet in their home, or in the society they are a part of.

~~~

Over 70% of the Indian population, inhabit a rural environment, and even 50% of this number, live in the remotest of areas where there is not a single facility of toilets, leave aside neat and clean washrooms. Hygiene word is far away from their lives.

~~~

Children in rural India, the moment they learn to walk, they also become accustomed to accompanying their brothers, sisters, parents and other family members, at the break of dawn, to a far - off place, in order to relieve themselves.

~~~

And, during the course of the day, they have to suppress Nature's Call, and their desire of revisiting the area, just for the simple reason, that it is not feasible to cover such long distances, leaving all work aside.

~~~

For girls, like Babli, who are in their pre-teens or teens, how shameful and fearful this situation might be, one can imagine very well. On top of that, the unhygienic conditions call for a bigger risk, of fiddling with their well-being, health and hygiene. 

~~~

Who knows, because of such routine unhygienic activities, one might even risk their life! Why should even one life be at the brink of illness for such a minuscule issue of proper washrooms, and toilets for their routine chore? 

Imagine a girl, along with her mother and other ladies of the family, conspicuously leaving home, early in the morning, at the break of dawn, or even before that, to relieve herself. The situation itself spells danger. 

~~~

At the time of defecating openly, all the ladies crouch around a single place, ruining their hygiene. While performing their routine chore, in the dark, one has to be even more alert!

All the excreta is washed off, making its way to the nearby water body. How can it ensure a proper, hygienic surrounding?

How can a country take so long, even post-independence to get rid of such pathetic conditions?

Why is it so difficult to protect the dignity of the females of this Country?

Why is it so difficult to ensure basic security for a human-being?

~~~

A Community Toilet in the rural area, ensuring hygienic disposal of excreta, could at least be guaranteed. But it has never happened.

~~~

Gradually, some villages tried to ensure a safer and healthier environment, by implementing an out-of-house, enclosed quarter, so that, the kids, and females of the village could use it for defecation. But, again, the hygiene is being compromised with.

~~~ 

That is why the Domex Toilet Academy was initiated, with a mission of installing 24,000 toilets in areas where there is no such provision to help the Babli's of our Nation. 

~~~

Let us all join hands in spreading the good word and contributing towards this noble cause. I thus request every reader to join the “You Click Domex Contributes” Initiative. This meaningful mission, begun exactly an year ago, in November 2013 to provide hygienic and healthy conditions for defecation to all Bablis of the nation. Here's how you can join in...

~~~

You can bring about the change in the lives of millions of kids, thereby showing your support for the Domex Initiative. All you need to do is “click” on the “Contribute Tab” on www.domex.in and Domex will contribute Rs.5 on your behalf to eradicate open defecation, thereby helping kids like Babli live a dignified life.

~~~

From Vulnerable To Invulnerable - Smart Suraksha

Woman - The Mother, The Sister, The Friend, The Companion - in all fields of life, plays an important role - in the life of Man.

Hence, it's really strange that Women are treated shabbily at times.

They become victims of rage.

Hence, Smartness coupled with Suraksha is required for indoor as well as outdoor safety, to create a better society.

Here are some safety tips, which you can follow :-

1. Do not discuss openly with anybody that you live by yourself or are alone at home, as this can make you prone to attack by thieves.
   
2. At night, if alone at home, draw all the blinds/curtains to avoid sneaking by passers - by or by people who are always on the lookout for easy opportunities.
   
3. If any unknown person calls or visits you when you are alone, do not disclose that you are alone. Rather behave as if your spouse/parent/room - mate is in another room and can easily be approached, in case of need.
   
4. Always have the list of phone numbers of PCR, neighbors, relatives & Women Helpline etc. stored at the hotkeys of your handset.
   
5. Whenever you lose keys to your home, have your locks changed as soon as possible, so that nobody can misuse the keys if found.
   
6. Keep your car keys handy at night. If you hear any noise or feel that someone is trying to get in, press the Panic Button of your car. The alarm will alert neighbors & also the intruder.
   
7. Do not hide your home keys outside, at obvious places such as under the door mat or flower pot. Instead, its better to keep the duplicate key with a trusted neighbor.
   
8. It's good to be sympathetic and nurturing but do it sparingly and attentively as well. This is how assailants trap their victims.
   
9. While on the road, if you are encountered by an assailant possessing a gun, try to RUN, as he will only hit you ( a running target ) four in hundred times.
   
10. Always BE AWARE of your surroundings and any potential danger/attacker's likely strategies to trouble you so that you can overcome them in time.
    
    
    ~~~
    
    
    I am sharing my Smart Suraksha Tips at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.

Smart Suraksha - Implementation Is The Need

Women - on one hand, considered as Godesses in our culture - on the other hand, they are so vulnerable to crime that whether indoor or outdoor, they can't remain stress - free anywhere.

They have to be alert every time and everywhere.

So Ladies!

Get Up & Be Independent!

Don't depend on anybody for YOUR SAFETY!

You have to chalk out a protective path to live a peaceful life, yourself.

WE CAN & SHOULD DEFEND OURSELVES.

WE HAVE BOTH THE LEGAL AND THE MORAL RIGHT TO DO SO.

Here are some smart tips for your safety which you can follow :- 

1. Try not to walk in dark areas. But, if you must and feel that somebody is following you, shout "Fire" - instead of "Help". More people respond to common warnings than getting involved in personal disputes.
2. At night, if you opt for a cab or an auto, call a friend or a relative and tell them the Registration Number loudly so that the driver is alerted.
3. While on road, avoid deserted shortcuts as it is always better to cover a longer but safer distance.
4. Whenever you suspect of being followed, change your direction and go to the nearest Police Station or look for a PCR Van.
5. Whenever a robber tries to approach, you should not panic & hand anything directly to him. Rather, throw your goods in one direction and run in the other direction.
6. Try to carry a pepper spray/small knife or a personal alarm with you, always for self - defense.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Whenever you are grabbed close enough, use your elbow to hit as it is the strongest point on your body.
8. Always try to poke the eyes of the assailant hard  as eyes are the most sensitive part of the body & this way he will not be able to see you - aiding you in escaping.
9. While driving a car, keep all doors locked. But, if by chance, someone jumps in the car, drive into a tree or a pole. Your airbag will protect you and you will be able to draw attention of the masses.
10. Learn Martial Arts and use its techniques to overcome the assailant.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    ~~~

I am sharing my Smart Suraksha Tips at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.

Smart Suraksha - We Are Safe Now!

We group of five friends decided to take a day out of our mundane routines of managing our homes and families last week. Yeah, they are our duty but we do deserve few hours of relaxation. So we went to our nearby Woodland Park for a stroll in the evening.

         We got so  engrossed in our nitty-gritties that we didn't notice that it was getting dark and almost everybody in the park left for their homes.

          Suddenly I noticed that a group of drunk men was approaching us. They were in an inebriated  state. We all got panicky. They encircled us and tried to snatch our chains. We looked into each other's eyes and gathered courage to push them hard and run. But they were still following us.

         Oh how I wished I had Smart Suraksha with me! It is such a helpful Android app with its GPS enabled even if one does not switch it on, sending an alert to five trusted contacts as well as the police. It is just like an SOS in time of need, with all of these features which I read about just day before yesterday!

But nothing could be done as of then, except that we tried to run fast towards the gate. Fortunately, from a distance we saw a police van standing near the gate. We shouted loudly and that scared those men. They retreated and ran away. 

         We were safe for the day but the moment we reached our respective homes, we all downloaded the app then and there so that we need not feel helpless in future in case of any mishap.

~~~

I am participating in the Seeking Smart Suraksha Contest at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.

Smart Suraksha - A Necessary Skill...

Rekha is a smart young girl. At such a young age she has achieved a lot. She handles her office assignments with such precision that everyone is in awe of her aura. She manages her home, her siblings & her widowed mother too along with her professional commitments.

         She normally commutes to her office by car but that fateful day on her way back home, her car broke down 15 minutes away from home. It was already very late but not still 11:30, so she thought of seeking refuge of the Metro. She would have to commute across 5 stations - approximately 10 minutes. She started moving towards the station hurriedly as it was already late as night had set in. By the time she reached her station it was 11:30 P.M.

Walking across was the only option then! Barely into 100 meters of displacement, she could sense someone following her. She panicked and her heart beat increased. For a second she went blank, but gradually she relaxed as she swiped a screen and two of her first cousins got the message that she needed them then and there. She didn't even need to tell them about the location - all this thanks to the new GPS enabled app that she downloaded from the Google Play Store two days back - Smart Suraksha - The Smarter Way Of Survival For The Fairer Sex. Within minutes they were by her side as they resided near her house. They reached home safely. In the meantime her uncle, her sister and her friend also called her up, as they also got an alert SMS through the app. Rekha told all three of them that she was OK and had just reached home! What's more - Police were also alerted and those sick mentalities put behind bars for the night! What a sigh of relief - they all heaved! 

         After having this first - hand experience, she told everyone at office and at home too about the utility of this app and spread the word around also about how she had a narrow escape from the evil eyes of eve-teasers! - How she did not have to utter words of regret in future - How she did not have to express remorse and exclaim - "I wish I had Smart Suraksha with me!" - as it had already proved its worth by serving its purpose effectively in times of dire need!

~~~

I am participating in the Seeking Smart Suraksha Contest at BlogAdda.com in association with Smart Suraksha App.