6 ROAD SAFETY HABITS THAT CAN KEEP YOU SAFE ON THE RIDE

Road safety is something very crucial that needs to be followed at all times in order to ensure the safety of the driver of a vehicle, passengers, and pedestrians. Road traffic injuries are one of our country's leading causes of death. In order to ensure more safety, car insurance covers are introduced. To curb this fact, various traffic rules and guidelines have been set in place, but it is the job of every person who is driving, to strictly follow a certain set of rules and develop certain road safety habits to avert road accidents and injuries.

There are various factors that one needs to take care of before driving a car on the road. Following are some of the important road safety habits that can keep you safe on the drive:

1. Wear a seat belt:

One of the most crucial things which might feel very insignificant to many people but can save your life in case of an accident or collision is - Seatbelt. You have a considerably greater chance of surviving a collision while driving if you are wearing a seatbelt. A seatbelt is an essential commodity in a car, and wearing a seatbelt is a vital habit that can reduce the risk of death by as much as 60%. Buckle up! should be your motto before going on any trip or driving a car, no matter how short the distance is. It is also recommended to use age-appropriate child restraints for children under 4 years of age and booster seats for older children up to ten years of age or 135 cm tall.

2. Keep watch on the speed:

You must have seen the hoardings on the road or highway that say - 'Slow down' or mention a specific speed limit. Despite these road safety advertisements and hoardings, most people overlook them and speed their way through. Driving at a higher speed than the specified limit can help you reach your destination faster, but it has no use if it increases your risk of an accident. 1 in 3 road traffic deaths is attributed to excessive or high-speed driving. So, it is always wise to slow down, follow the traffic rules, and keep a watch on the speed!

3. Always drive sober:

Driving is an activity that requires a high level of attentiveness, focus, ability to make quick decisions, and it is proven that alcohol impairs your ability to react to sudden situations and delays the response time of the human body. Hence, you should refrain from driving, even if you think you are feeling fine after a drink, since your body may not be in proper coordination with the mind. You can always use public transport, call a taxi, or request a friend to drive you home.

4. Maintain your vehicle:

Another safety habit worth developing is to keep your car in proper operating condition. Ignoring the maintenance of your car can result in troubles while driving, and you may end up stranded in the middle of the road because of a mechanical issue that could have been avoided easily with some proper care. Always make sure that the tyre pressure is correct and replace old tyres if necessary to prevent skidding on the road. Check and replace brake fluid regularly and take care of the engine as it is one of the most vital parts of a car.

5. Obey traffic rules:

The traffic rules are designed to protect the drivers, pedestrians, and passengers etc. The rules allow you to drive in order and reach your destination safely. Therefore, always follow the traffic rules such as maintaining your distance from other vehicles, not speeding, or driving under the influence, staying in your lanes, obeying the signs etc., which may avoid any kind of road accident.

6. Avoid distraction:

Distracted driving is becoming one of the rising concerns in road safety. Being on a phone while driving is punishable by law in India. Hence always make a habit of taking a phone call only after you pull the car to the side of the road. Many other things can distract both drivers and pedestrians, such as loud music, the presence of pets in the car etc., which may increase the chances of life-threatening accidents occurring. Removing as many distractions as possible is a fundamental road safety rule and habit one should implement.

Driving is an enjoyable and exciting experience, as long as you are taking all necessary road safety precautions and implementing the above habits in your life. Many road accidents happen every year because people ignore the road safety rules. ;

Another step towards road safety is getting a car insurance policy to protect your vehicle from any kind of damage and save you from a financial loss.

For more information, visit the Kotak General Insurance website.

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