Road safety tips to practice this monsoon

According to an industry report on Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, 47 accidental deaths took place every hour during the year 2015 and many of these fatal accidents happened during the monsoon season.

1. Mandatory monsoon servicing for vehicles:

Most of the auto service centres have 'monsoon servicing' for vehicles specifically designed for monitoring the vehicles' condition to tackle the wet roads. This service manual includes quality check on brakes, tires, wipers, headlight beams, horn, etc

2. Avoid riding or driving during a heavy downpour:

During heavy showers, the visibility on the roads is reduced by a considerable level. In case one is driving or riding, it is best to park the vehicle and wait for the rains to subside.

3. Avoid speeding in the rain:

Controlling the speed of your vehicle while driving or riding during the rains is extremely important especially since the roadways are filled with potholes and sudden braking causes the vehicle to skid or drift off the road.

4. Emergency numbers on speed dial:

Keep a few numbers on speed dial like your immediate family, doctor, police and mechanic, so that they can be contacted easily in case of any emergency. Also most smartphones have the option to feed in one number as an 'emergency' dial number which is always visible on the screen.

5. Keep snacks handy:

During rains we often face unexpected delays in traffic or in the worst case scenario, one might be left stranded on the road with a failed engine. So always carry a bottle of water, snacks, biscuits etc. 

6. Be a good Samaritan:

In case you witness an accident on the road, make sure you offer help to the victim. Be smart and use new age services like mobile police services, emergency ambulance services like ZHL (Dial 108 for emergencies), to ensure you receive timely help. Do not try to administer First Aid or practise any other emergency medical procedure unless you are completely aware about it or are certified for the same.

7.Be aware of the road:

We might be responsible and careful on the road, but other irrational drivers on the road could land us in trouble. So we need to be aware of such rash drivers and stay at safe distance from them.

8. Do not go for long drive

Long driving by car or bike is not advisable during monsoon season. if you have any urgent work try to find an alternative public transport system . if you cannot avoid travelling long distance , make sure to take a person to accompany you.

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