Top tips to keep in mind to avoid accidents while driving

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• Use bumper to bumper policies to reduce your liability
• Enjoy facilities like zero depreciation and roadside assistance covers

At the time of driving a vehicle, you will have to ensure that you follow some steps so that you don’t meet with an accident to begin with. Many of the accidents that take place in different parts of the country are avoidable if small precautionary measures are taken. By keeping in mind these points listed below, you can ensure that you protect yourself and your vehicle from any road mishap. 

1. Pick the vehicle with suitable safety features 

This is the first thing to keep in mind even before you buy a car. Make sure you check the safety ratings of all the cars before making a choice. Having a car with better safety reduces the chances of an accident while driving the vehicle. You can also get a lower premium quote if your vehicle is equipped with better safety features. 

2. Always keep your eyes on the road 

This might be one of the common things to keep in mind while driving on the roads. You have to ensure anything going on inside the car does not distract you from having an eye on the road. It is strongly advised to not multitask at the time of driving and do activities like wearing your tie or combing your hair. Not concentrating completely on driving increases the chances of a distraction resulting in an accident. With the unpredictability of Indian roads, you will always need to be aware and prepared for anything.      

3. Do not cross the speed limit 

Driving at speeds more than speed limit is not just against the law, it is dangerous for you and the other people driving on the road as well. While opting to drive at higher speeds might help you save some time, it also increases the chances of an accident. The increased speed results in the car taking more time to come to a halt when the brakes are applied. The resulting sudden stop can cause major injuries if the vehicle is not controlled properly. Pedestrians or any animals suddenly crossing the road might have a fatal impact if you are not careful. 

It is advisable to always keep the speed under the specified speed limit. You are advised to keep left if you are driving at a slower speed than the other vehicles on the road. In case you wish to overtake another vehicle driving at slower speed, make sure you always do that from the right side. Try to provide an indication using the indicator to give the other driver an idea that you are overtaking.  

4. Never forget to wear your seat belt 

A seat belt is the most important thing you should remember to use when driving the car. This is the most significant safety measure that you must take in a car. The absence of a seat belt can cause major injuries to the lungs and the ribcage because of impact with the steering wheel or the dashboard. 

5. Look out for blind spots 

Always keep in mind there are a few blind spots in the car. The part of the vehicle behind the car pillars are the ones you need to watch out for. Be careful while taking turns, switching lanes, and while backing the car out of the parking spot.  

The rear-view mirror does not give the complete view. You must look out for any approaching traffic on the sides. You can use the outside mirror on either side of the vehicle to compensate for the blind spot of the rear-view mirror.   

6. Tailgating should be avoided  

Tailgating is one of the biggest contributors to accidents happening on Indian roads. Many of the drivers do not always keep the minimum distance that has to be there between two vehicles on the road. Not following this reduces the time to react because of the lack of distance. 

There is also another simple method to help you keep track of the space between the two vehicles. Ensure that the bottom bumper of the car in front is visible to you. This essentially means you have close to 5 feet space between the two vehicles. This distance should be enough to react to any sudden stops that were not anticipated. 

7. Watch out for motorcyclists and jaywalkers 

Tailgating might be a cause for some of the accidents but leaving such spaces in between vehicles might cause other problems too. Motorcyclists and jaywalkers are always on the lookout for such gaps and will try to squeeze through somehow. More often than not these jaywalkers step out of this gap and often face the oncoming or passing traffic. This is where you can use your horn. Make use of the horn to warn any jaywalkers who may stumble on to your vehicle path. 

8. Never drive under the influence of alcohol 

Do not drive your car if you have consumed alcohol. This is irrespective of the quantity of intake. Alcohol can impair your judgement and can turn out to be fatal while driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also illegal by law. This can cost you your license. This is applicable for any type of intoxicant. A small miscalculation under the influence of intoxicants can result in an accident. Avoid driving after intake of intoxicants at all costs. 

9. Follow traffic rules 

Make sure you follow all the traffic rules while driving your car. All the traffic safety rules have been designed keeping in mind the safety of everyone on the roads, including pedestrians. Make sure you keep the appropriate distance between the vehicles. Make sure you respect all the other drivers on the road while driving your car. 

10. Avoid driving when you are sleepy 

Falling asleep while driving can lead to fatal accidents while driving on Indian roads. The driver of the vehicle must be well rested. Lack of proper rest may result in the drop of mental alertness and awareness. Reflexes will slow down meaning you will not have enough time to react to any situation on the road. The result of this can sometimes prove to be fatal.  

11. Try to follow lane discipline 

Yes, this might be one of the very hardest things to do when you are traveling on Indian roads but following lane rules can save a lot of trouble for everyone on the road. Many of the motorcyclists try to find the smallest gap between two cars and try to squeeze through.  

Try to stick to your lane. Switch to the right lane only if you wish to overtake the vehicle in front or if you are looking to take a right turn. Use your indicators for at least a few seconds when you change lanes.  

12. Look out for caution signs 

Always look out for any caution signs on the road. These signs give an indication of any danger that may come up in the road ahead. Accident prone regions usually have a caution sign. Try to reduce the speed of your vehicle in case you notice any such sign on the road. 

13. Avoid using your mobile phone while driving 

Using a mobile phone while driving can have the worst consequences both for you and the other drivers on the road if you are not careful. Avoid using a mobile phone while driving. Use your phone only in case of an emergency. If you wish to attend a call on your phone, pull over to the road side and then attend the call.  

Do’s and Don’ts in case of an accident 

In case your vehicle does meet with an accident due to unfortunate circumstances, the important thing to do is to remain calm and assess the situation. Listed below are some quick do’s and don’ts that you can keep in mind in case of an untoward incident: 

Do’s 

• Check and find all the injuries 
• In case of bleeding, try to control the blood flow  
• Call for assistance if someone is nearby 
• Make a call to the hospital, the police, and your insurer 
• Take pictures of the accident spot, as they will be handy for the police and the insurance company 

Don’ts 

• Do not accept any verbal on-spot settlements from the third-party. Check with an insurance executive before making any settlements. 
• Never run from the accident scene. You can help the casualties in case they have major injuries.  
• Some things to keep in mind for physical injuries that happen during an accident: 
• Avoid feeding liquids or food to the injured person. 
• Never remove a stabbed object. This will only increase the bleeding. Let the object remain as it can at least stop the blood flow till you get to a hospital 
• Avoid moving the neck of the injured. If the neck is in an unnatural angle after the accident, avoid moving and wait for a doctor. 

Keep these tips in mind to avoid accidents as much as you can. There might be times where an accident maybe beyond your control. It could happen even after you followed most of the precautionary measures. In case of an accident, the important thing to remember is to not panic. Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure you stay calm and handle the situation in the best way possible.