National Road Safety Week 2024: 8 Major Precautionary Driving Tips That Every Car Driver Should Follow

Posted on: Jan 10, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

National Road Safety Week 2024: 8 Major Precautionary Driving Tips That Every Car Driver Should Follow

When you drive a car, there are certain precautionary measures and safety tips which you have to follow. By driving safely you can avoid a life-altering accident. Whether you are driving alone or with your family, driving safely should always be your top concern. With National Road Safety Week starting from 11th January 2024, let us take a look at eight major car driving safety tips. Speaking about about driving safety tips, first thing that should come to your mind is insuring your vehicle with a car insurance policy. HDFC ERGO offers amazing plans like comprehensive car insurance, standalone own damage insurance and third party car insurance. You can choose the plan as per your needs. Now let us take a look at car driving safety tips and the significance of National Road Safety Week 2024.

National Road Safety Week

National Road Safety Week is celebrated every year from January 11 to 17. Organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the week intends to spread awareness around road safety, a primary concern for authorities and the government. During the National Road Safety Week, various organisations and groups educate the public about the consequences of reckless or negligent driving.

Eight Car Driving Safety Tips

1. Follow Traffic rules

The most important thing to remember is to follow the traffic laws and rules laid down by RTO. You're not just breaking the law when you disobey the rules by driving under the influence, speeding, or even not wearing your seatbelt or helmet. Doing these things would also be considered illegal and can lead to fines, other penalties, and accidents.

2. Maintain the Speed Limit

Maintaining the speed limit is one of the essential road safety precautions. Ensure that you drive at the speed limit mentioned on highways. Setting a speed limit aims to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

3. Avoid Overtaking

You should not overtake any vehicle while changing lanes on a busy road, and follow lane discipline. If it is essential for a lane change, do so from the right side, as Indian traffic rules don't permit a left side to overtake.

4. Maintain Distance

Keep enough distance from the vehicle ahead of you to get sufficient time and space to react if it suddenly stops. It is also necessary to maintain enough braking distance. The bigger the rig, the longer it takes to stop. All these come under safety rules while driving with practical guidelines and strategy.

5. Don’t Drink & Drive

Consumption of alcohol affects your concentration. You might think that having a glass of wine or a sip of scotch will not weaken your judgment, but it definitely will. Your attention span will not be the same as before. Alcohol use increases an accident's likelihood dramatically. You might develop a double or blurry vision. The motorist may occasionally go completely unconscious. So, it is highly advisable to avoid driving after a drink. Also, it is punishable by law if you drink and drive. In addition, if you meet with an accident under the influence of alcohol, you won't be able to claim for losses under car insurance.

6. Insure Your Car With Motor Insurance

Motor Insurance will protect your expenses from vehicle damage losses due to natural disasters, man-made disasters, fire, earthquake, accident, etc. It is like a safety net that can protect you from having to dip into your savings to pay for any losses in the case of these unforeseen events. Also, valid third party car insurance is mandatory according to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. However, it is advisable to opt for a comprehensive car insurance policy to get coverage for own damage and third-party liabilities.

7. Avoid Talking on Phone While Driving

These days, there are devices to make it easier to use your phone while your hands are busy driving. But talking to someone, even hands-free while driving, can be very distracting and lead to significant accidents. According to the new Motor Vehicle rules, drivers can use their phones for navigation tools, but only for this one purpose. If traffic cops catch you doing anything else, you will have to pay hefty fines.

8. Avoid driving if You Are Unwell

When you’re tired or feeling unwell, you’re less likely to be paying full attention to the road, and in some situations, there might even be a chance of you falling asleep at the wheel. If you plan to take a long journey or a road trip, rest well. On the other hand, if you’re ill or have a fever, it can disorient you and slow your reaction time, so try not to drive yourself during this time.

Conclusion

Now that you know important safety tips, take an oath to drive safely this National Road Safety Week. Cautious driving will prevent significant losses and protect other people on the road. The most important thing is to maintain your focus level while driving. Lastly, buy a car insurance policy for your vehicle; it will secure your journey from losses due to any road accident or unforeseen scenarios.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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