Tips to Keep in Mind While Driving on Indian Highways
Do you love driving on the highway with your favourite music playing on the radio and the wind blowing through your hair? Do you dream of going on epic road trips to satiate your hunger for adventure? Or, does being behind the wheel with the open road ahead bring you some peace of mind? If your answer is yes to any or all of these questions, then you must also have a number of highway horror stories transpiring from reckless driving, terrible road conditions and more.
To avoid such scenarios, and to make your experience on the highways truly memorable, here are few golden rules you must follow:
- Tame the Twists: Highways in India are infamous for their hairpin bends. So if the chosen road takes to you towards dangerous twists or turns, be extremely careful. Keep to your left and maintain a healthy distance from the car ahead. It is not wise to try overtaking other vehicles on such bends. If another car wants to overtake your vehicle, just signal them and proceed with caution.
- Deal with Breakdowns: No matter how careful you are with your car, it could breakdown at any point. It’s a good idea to learn how to change tyres and deal with small problems, so that you can quickly fix the issue at hand. Of course, if things are out of control, you should simply pull over and place the hazard triangle behind your car. This will make other drivers aware of the fact that your car’s out of service.
- Avoid Road Rage: Rage is your worst enemy, especially on the road. Therefore, instead of battling with abusive drivers or uneven roads, it is advisable to keep calm and be alert.
- Down the Drowsiness: If you begin experiencing fatigue or drowsiness while driving, it is better to stop at a café and give your body the rest and refreshment it needs. Another way you can avoid this is by getting a good night sleep. This will keep you fresh and alert on the road.
- Indicate Your Intentions: This is one of the major causes of road accidents. Drivers tend to avoid using indicators that signal their intention to go left or right. This can create confusion and cause terrible collisions. Make sure you always indicate before turning or switching lanes.
- Insurance Is Important: Investing in a good car insurance is absolutely vital. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, buying a third party liability car insurance for a minimum period of 3 years is mandatory. But, to really enjoy a carefree drive, you should opt for a comprehensive car insurance policy. This offers many benefits like compensation up to Rs. 1 lakh, cover against natural and man-made calamities, third party liability and even a no claim bonus.
So, before you hit our Indian highways, buckle up and be prepared.