BANGALORE: For Indian Air Force men riding a two-wheeler inside their premises in the city, wearing a helmet is not a matter of choice.

Spotting a rider without a headgear is tough inside any of the IAF establishments here. This long-standing rule is slowly being internalised by the city's corporate world.

One corporate firm has even distributed helmets to its employees.

But there is more to safe driving than helmets and seatbelts. Defensive driving is all about "not only taking responsibility for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on the other guy," as a recent campaign by Ness and the city traffic police assert.

Here are some of the guidelines issued by the traffic police and the Ness corporate governance team to help reduce risks on the road:

Do not start the engine without securing helmet straps and safety belts.

"They save thousands of lives each year. Lock all doors."

Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.

Do not delude yourself. If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink or use reliable public transport.

"Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes."

Do not follow too closely. "Always have a three second or plus following distance.

Dip your headlights, so you do not impair the other driver's night vision.

"While driving, be cautious, aware and responsible."

There are suggestions for the police as well.

"Officers should stop all vehicles at a fixed location to determine helmet usage, seatbelts and child safety seat use.

During holidays, officers should combine regular checkpoints with sobriety checkpoints when possible."

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