There have been several fatal road accidents across the country in recent months, shocking everyone with their horror and loss of life and property. Recently, six people died in a sports utility vehicle (SUV) accident near Bengaluru. At the same time, a month ago, six people lost their lives in a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) accident in Dehradun. These incidents raise serious questions on the safety of cars and the need for safe driving on the road.
Alarming data of road accidents in India
- According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:
- Number of road accidents in 2023 4% increase compared to 2022 4,80,000 Exceeded.
- Deaths in road accidents in 2022 1,68,000 Which will increase by 2% in 2023 1,72,000 Exceeded.
Vehicle Safety and Importance of Crash Test
Every car sold in India is required to comply with safety standards set by the government.
- in the country now Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) Is applicable.
- In this, cars are tested on various tests to assess their safety features. crash test Have to go through.
- Every car based on its safety performance star rating Is given.
However, a high safety rating does not mean that an accident can be avoided. Only correct driving habits and alertness can ensure safety on the road.
6 basic but important rules of driving
1. Wear a seat belt: the primary safety measure
- The seat belt is the most effective tool for saving lives in an accident.
- Wearing a seat belt:
- Risk of death in road accidents 45% and risk of serious injury 50% Reduces to.
- Now seat belt reminder has become mandatory on all seats in new cars.
- Traffic Law: Under the Motor Vehicles Act, a fine will be imposed for not wearing seat belt even in the rear seat.
2. Obey the speed limit
- Excessive speed is the main cause of accidents.
- balanced motion It is important to maintain:
- Too fast speed increases the risk of an accident.
- Too slow a speed may disrupt the flow of traffic.
3. Overtake carefully
- Before overtaking, ensure that the road is clear and there is sufficient space.
- Avoid overtaking in these situations:
- Blind turn.
- Heavy rain or fog.
- At night when visibility is low.
- Use turn signals properly and do not immediately return to your lane after overtaking.
4. Use turn indicators before changing lanes
- Turn signals help communicate your intentions to other drivers.
- This reduces the risk of accidents, especially in traffic areas.
5. Maintain a safe distance
- at least than the vehicle in front three seconds distance Maintain.
- If the weather is bad or visibility is low, keep extra distance.
- tailgating Avoid following (excessively close) as it may lead to collision if sudden braking is applied.
6. Don’t hang out of the sunroof
- Hanging out of the sunroof is dangerous and illegal.
- This not only distracts the driver but can also cause a serious accident.
- Especially prevent children from going out through the sunroof or window.
Resolve to be a better driver
The basic rules are taught in driving schools, but the real experience comes from driving on the roads.
- Every mistake teaches us something and gives us a lesson to avoid those mistakes in future.
- one in the new year Responsible and better driver Resolve to become one.