We all have a to-do list made. One such “to learn” on my list was driving. And trust me it has given me a sense of independence like never before. Driving has taught me to be alert and most importantly be patient. I also have learned to curse, mainly because of the lack of road sense among fellow drivers/riders.
Road sense is something we all as a community need to work on. It is not enough to just know to drive, it is necessary for one to understand the basic rules of driving. If we all consciously follow the rules of the road, we can avoid a lot of unfortunate mishaps/accidents that occur on a daily basis.
Here let us understand some of the common mistakes we make while driving.
• Losing attention: It is essential to concentrate on driving rather than on issues related to work, home, etc.
• Distraction: Using of mobile phones, playing loud music, and looking for navigation while driving can lead to a major accident.
• Speed: Maintaining a minimum speed or as indicated by authorities on road signs is crucial.
• Safety: Wearing of seat belt (all seated in the car). Use of helmets for two-wheelers.
• Indicator lights: This is one of the main features, that informs the other vehicles of what our motive is (to turn right or left).
• High beam light: Leaving the high beam on can distract/blind the drivers of the oncoming cars.
• Jumping signals: Red light means “stop” and yellow light means “slow down”. Jumping the same affects not just you but the others as well.
Now, one of the major causes of accidents.
• Changing Lanes: It is unsafe to change lanes without indication.
• Driving slowly on fast lane: This is one of the most common sights, which frustrates the drive of the vehicle on the fast lane and also blocks traffic.
• Stopping the vehicle suddenly: This is also quite a common sight and can lead to mishaps.
We all have made the above-mentioned mistakes at one point or the other while driving. It is imperative to drive consciously not only for our own safety but also for others on the road. As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, every year approximately 1.5 lakh people die on roads in India, which translates, on an average, into 1130 accidents and 422 deaths every day.
Let us pledge to make the roads of our country safe for driving.