Simple Driving Safety Practices every Car Owner Should Follow
Simple Driving Safety Practices every Car Owner Should Follow
With the holiday season setting in, every household is brewing with plans for road trips, parties and family functions. For car owners, the holidays offer a perfect opportunity to take their vehicle out for a long-distance adventure. But before you turn on the ignition, prioritising safety is essential. The surge in festive season travel and activities also increases the risk of motor accidents on the road.
In this blog, we have discussed various tips for car owners to ensure safety while driving this holiday season, starting from pre-journey vehicle inspection to investing in a trustworthy car insurance.
Safe driving tips to follow during your holidays:
The new year is the time for joy, laughter and celebrations, and you shouldn’t risk it by making a mistake on the road. Here are some useful and practical tips for car owners to ensure safe driving during the holiday rush:
1. Get proper car insurance coverage
The first step is to make sure your car is protected under a reliable car insurance policy. The new year could bring harsh weather, slippery roads, and the risk of landslides in many parts of the country. With the fog, occasional smog and pollution, visibility could take a hit as well. Additionally, the festive season traffic rush heightens the probability of both minor and major motor accidents across the country.
In such cases, having coverage for own damages and third-party liabilities under a comprehensive car insurance gives you the essential financial safety net and confidence behind the steering wheel.
2. Vehicle maintenance and pre-journey inspection
Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Do a pre-journey inspection, such as checking the lights, battery, tyre pressure, wheel alignment, brake pads and fluid levels and ensure everything is in perfect condition. A well-maintained car significantly reduces the risk of vehicle breakdowns and accidents.
It is best if you get your car serviced by an expert mechanic or garage. While your car gets serviced, check online for discounts and offers on the best holiday car insurance policies.
If you want more information on how to keep your car in top shape during the cold, check out our blog on Winter Car Maintenance Tips: How to Prevent Your Car from Freezing in Extreme Cold?
3. Plan your route in advance
Driving during festive occasions like the New Year is not the same as on a usual day. You must anticipate increased traffic congestion and take time to plan your route accordingly. Avoiding congested roads not only helps you save time but also reduces the chances of you getting involved in unnecessary road rage incidents or encountering erratic motorists. Also, while planning your holiday driving route, don’t forget to check offers on festive season car insurance plans.
4. Avoid distractions
The festive season often brings in additional distractions on the road. It can come in the form of taking your eyes off the road while checking the navigation app, getting flooded with texts and calls from people wishing you a happy new year, or fixating on sparkling lights or roadside events.
To make sure your eyes are on the road and you are not distracted by such things, put your phone on Silent, Do Not Disturb (DND) or Drive Mode. If you have a co-passenger, let them be the navigator or use the voice assistance feature on the app to get directions without needing to glance away from the road. Remember that even a moment of distraction can have irreversible consequences and ruin your holiday season.
5. Abide by the traffic rules
Festive occasions are never an excuse for breaking the law. So, make sure to drive carefully and adhere to all traffic rules and regulations. For example, overspeeding is a leading cause of accidents in India. Even driving 5-10 km/h over the speed limit can significantly increase your risk of a crash. Similarly, simple negligences, such as not following traffic signals or overtaking from the left, can lead to fatal outcomes.
Prioritising caution and complying with the traffic laws on the road is essential for ensuring the safety of you and your co-passengers. Similarly, prioritising the importance of car coverage is equally important. Evaluate your coverage needs before choosing between comprehensive and third party car insurance.
6. Don’t drive while tired or impaired
Celebrating holidays with your loved ones can sometimes be too demanding on your body. So make sure that you are well-rested before you hop behind the wheel. If you feel tired or drowsy while driving, consider pulling over and letting your well-rested co-passenger with a valid driving licence drive instead. If you are alone or don’t have anyone else to drive, it is better to take a little break and get some coffee before you are ready to continue driving.
Celebrating may also mean enjoying a few drinks with your friends and loved ones. However, if you are drinking, do not drive afterwards. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and a major cause of road accidents. Consider making alternative arrangements if you plan on drinking, such as booking a taxi or letting your sober co- passenger with a driving licence drive.
7. Practice defensive driving
Defensive driving practices are just as important as investing in reliable car insurance this season. It is extremely useful to both new and experienced drivers, especially during the festive season when others on the road may not be practising safety measures. For example, if you see any motorist on the road driving erratically, make sure to keep your distance from them.
Drive while maintaining a safe distance in front of and behind your car, and anticipate potential hazards when approaching intersections or changing lanes. Be extra careful with your blind spots and avoid making moves that you are unsure of. Maintain safe speed, be courteous to others on the road and keep a level head.
Conclusion:
The holidays are a special time for everyone. However, safety should never be compromised for the sake of fun and celebration. Car owners planning on driving during the festive season need to practice extra caution to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained, planning the route and practising safe driving habits ensure that the only surprises you encounter this season are happy ones. So, be farsighted, do what’s necessary and here’s to a merry and mishap-free holiday season.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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