Is it necessary to see the hood while driving

Very well said JKTURBO,

Even I got enlightended by this technique,I once hit a santro from behind as I wrongly guessed the distance, from then I maintained enough gap betn the front car which will be less than a bike length,but enough that there will be enough space.

By keeping distance all are safe,But while parking the car and when negotiating the tight corners I still find it difficult.

Dr Nava Kishore T

You can make use of your head lights at that time. Keep it on when parking and use the reflections from vehicles / objects to guess the distance. I use it when taking from tight spots.

Hi

The tyre and tarmac rule applies for all and especially for the new drivers , however in india its a bit diificult to follow keeping in mind the traffic congestion. Developed contries have good infrastructure and less population hence it can be followed , A place like India or china where population is exploding its a bit diificult . As the saying goes be a roman in rome ,.... Be like an indian in indian traffic conditions

Thank you Jey,Agai you have given me a valuable idea.

Dr Nava Kishore T

It does makes things easier, but in the new generations cae designs. It is difficult to see the complete hood. The more you drive, the better you will know your vehicle dimensions

Hi Sunveer,

While there is some truth to your apprehension. it may be worthwhile for you to get comfortable with your car. Initial driving requires you guage the distance between youself and others ( cars/ people/ obstacles). For this, a measure like the distance from the bonnet may help. Once you gain sufficient driving experience, your gaze will naturally shift to "other visual inputs"- cars, road users (girls- highly not recommended) etc which leaves you wit no time for your bonnet. You will instinctively tune to the concept of velocity (speed/ distance) and a few brushes later, you will register the bubble space for yourself.

So please, don't let technicalities influence your driving skills.

Hi,

The first car I drove was Sumo. It was very easy as one could see the hood very well. But When I drove Hyundai Santro, it was really nerve wrecking as I was not able to see the hood and guess the distance. But when I got the Alto, I drove it without seeing the hood and without any problem. I kept a safe distance from other vehicles even though I knew it was somewhat more. I also would practice in our apartment parking lot when there wouldn't be much cars available. 

My friend would stand near a wall and I would drive upto it slowly. He would signal me when I would be very close. I would get down and see how much closer I had come, and how that appeared while sitting inside the car. After some practice, it was fine.

For practice this might be ok, but on road we can easily follow the 'tyre and tarmac' rule for our safety.