There were a couple of posts in our internal blog discussing the effects of driving fast. 

Do you think by driving fast, you prove that you are a great driver?
Do you think those who drivers fast are actually rash drivers?
Do you think if one has the control over his senses, can he become a good one though he drives fast?
Do you drive fast, just for the kick of it?

So many discussions and even there was a post about youtube videos whose subject deals with fast driving. The discussions pointed out that people consider those who drive fast as "rash" drivers generally. And there are drivers who have fine senses that help them drive fast and avoid accidents at the same time. I guess that is a gift only a few possess.

Generally speaking, the major root cause of accidents is SPEEDING. Even if you drive with complete control with all your senses awake, accidents may happen from external sources. In India, with the advent of world class express highways driving has become a pleasure as well as risky in few cases. I've seen some nuts who drive zig-zag inside a convoy scaring others and risking everyone's life. And some drive slow in a speed lane, thus blocking other vehicles coming behind. I usually drive to my home town which is 7 hours from Chennai, in my compact hatchback - Suzuki Alto. It is pretty basic with a 47 bhp petrol motor. In certain terms, the motor is just intended for city driving. But it can reach about 100kmph safely and pushing a bit further it reaches 120kmph. Beyond that, the car becomes unsteady. I've driven my car in all sort of speeds. Once I tried a 110kmph constant speed, then a 80kmph speed, and then a varying 60-80kmph speed. The results were good. During the 110kmph drive, my vision became narrower and whole body was very alert. There was thrill, and at the same time I had to be very cautious about zebra crossers and 2 wheeler nuts. The 60-80kmph was more of a lazy drive which created a back-ache because of long drive hours. The constant 80kmph gave me no super-duper thrills, yet it did not cause much discomfort. I was relaxed, had better control and wider visibility.

A good driver has the ability to drive a vehicle in such a way making the passengers feel safe. He also possess the art of comfort driving. This means no sudden braking, no sharp turns, no thrusts and very calculative driving that doesn't make the passengers move from the seat. It takes time and patience to develop such a skill.

Do not drive fast always, but only when it is required so. Keep improving your driving skills such that it makes people love to travel with you happily!

- Rajesh Sundaram