Common Causes Of Road Accidents in India & How To Avoid Them?

• To ensure safety while driving a vehicle, you must understand the causes of road accidents.
• The causes of road accidents in India include over-speeding, drunken and reckless driving, and breaking through traffic signals, among others.
• You can prevent road accidents in India by driving cautiously, wearing a helmet or a seatbelt, driving within the prescribed speed limits, and following all traffic rules.

Being able to drive is one of the most important skills that you can acquire in life. However, it is also essential to know all the rules and drive as carefully as possible to avoid any mishaps.Nevertheless, when driving, there might be some unfortunate incidents where you might get involved in an accident. Hence, In order to ensure safety while driving, you must understand the causes of road accidents. This will prepare you for unforeseen situations on the road and will keep you and others safe.Let's explore the most common causes of road accidents and what you can do to prevent them.

Listed below are some of the major causes of road accident in India:

Human Error

Distraction and recklessness are considered among the major causes of road accidents in India. For instance, if you are talking on the phone or eating food during driving, it can distract you and may lead to an accident. In India, most cities have heavy traffic and rough road conditions and not paying attention can lead to injuries.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions also tend to increase the chances of road accidents. Conditions like dense fog, excessive rain, heavy winds, etc. can make driving difficult and lead to accidents.
For instance, fog reduces road visibility, and to drive in foggy conditions, you must use high beam lights and keep your vehicle's speed slow.

Over-speeding

You are required to always follow the speed limits while driving on city roads. If you drive over the speed limits, you may not be able to get your vehicle under control immediately, which can increase the chances of accidents. Over-speeding is responsible for the most number of deaths and injuries in road accidents across India.

Mechanical Failures

If you are driving a faulty car, you are taking a huge safety risk. Loose brakes and old tyres can cause road accidents. Hence, it is important to ensure on-time vehicle maintenance.

Drunken Driving

Driving under the influence of intoxicating substances like alcohol or drugs prevent your ability to focus properly. Drunk-driving can put your life in danger.

Breaking Through Traffic Signals

Following traffic signals on the road is critical and should not be neglected. Traffic lights tell you when to stop to prevent collisions with other vehicles. If you break a red light signal, you will most likely witness a situation of chaos on the road.

Driving on the Wrong Side

Driving on the wrong side of the road is also among the major causes of road accidents. Driving on the right side of the road or entering a 'No Entry' zone can cause head-on collisions with vehicles coming from the opposite side and prove to be life threatening.

Overloading Your Vehicle

Overloading your vehicle, especially a truck, can cause road accidents. This happens because the tyre of the truck can burst from excessive weights, brakes can wear out due to friction, and road collapses can also occur. Every state has control over the load limit and not adhering to the same can cause accidents.

Racing

Racing on the roads and testing the limits of a vehicle are one of the major causes of road accidents. High-speed racing can cause serious injuries and leave little to no chances of survival in case of an accident.

While unforeseen situations can occur on the road when you are driving, you should always be alert to avoid potential accidents. Below are some tips to avoid causes of road accidents:

Follow Traffic Rules & Signs

Traffic rules and signs are created for the prevention of road accidents and should not be compromised. You should always wear a helmet or a seatbelt when driving.

Be Attentive During Driving

It is extremely crucial to remain constantly attentive while driving and not distract yourself. You should avoid talking on the phone, texting, eating, etc.while driving. You must also avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drug-like substances because it is both dangerous and illegal.

Do Not Go Over the Speed Limit

You should strictly follow the designated speed limits of the road you are driving on. Over-speeding increases the chances of vehicle collision when brakes are applied suddenly. You must also adjust your speed as per the speed of other vehicles driving around you to maintain a safe distance.

Maintain Your Vehicle

You should conduct regular maintenance of your vehicle and keep your vehicle’s tyres in check. You should make sure that you replace old or damaged tyres on time to avoid sudden bursts or skidding while driving.

You must always drive with caution and follow safety measures at all times. Remember tonotdrink and drive and avoid your mobile devices when driving. Road accidents can lead to physical injuries and emotional turmoil; and so, you should follow all traffic laws to avoid the causes of road accidents. Stay safe and drive responsibly. Also Read: What is a Personal Accident Insurance? A Detailed Guide