Driving on the road comes with lot of risk that normally is not realised until its too late. Even if you take complete care while driving, its always possible that due to a mistake by another vehicle driver you risk your life. Driving in a four wheeler gives a comfort zone which creates a false sense of security to the driver and we don't realize how a split second decision can change everything.
I drive a lot and and enjoy it , its like a passion for me to go to new places - drive around. While on my long drives I have realised mistakes that are easy to occur and are dangerous and increase probability of accidents. I have driven at every part of day / night, treacherous mountain roads ( munnar ), and am aware of many small things that we can take care of and avoid danger. I am listing down those tips below with an intention that it may help someone sometime. Before going there I would want to insist that don't go for a long drive just for sake of it and for sake of the thrill that the idea of the drive gives to many. Avoid it if you can, realise that a small mistake (may not be by you) and you risk a lot - I have seen some incidents which changed lives for ever (including mine).
Readying for the drive:
Make sure your car is in good condition - take it for an oil check , condition brakes, wheel alignment and balancing. If possible fillup your tyres with nitrogen , it costs about Rs 300-500 for five tyres. It keeps the tyres cool and improves its life. Avoid starting at night , if unavoidable then take good sleep the previous day. Start at a time convenient for avoiding city traffic. If driving with kids make sure you plan your breaks appropriately for food and resting. Most of Indian Highways are well provisioned with on road motels and many HP outlets have restrooms , food joints. Check that your wipers are working fine - it may be nightmare if it rains and your wipers stop working.
Take a good rechargeable lamp, helps if you drive at night and have to change tyre. Believe me its important - I used to be confident that my car tyres are tubeless and even if a puncture happens it will work till atleast 80 kms - this confidence broke when on a pitch dark moonless night near Bhootpur (yes there is a place by this name near Mahboobnagar on NH7 from where i take a shortcut to my hometown) - a cut on the road due to rains created havoc - it cut one of my car tyres in two pieces. Even the rim got bend. And to add to the situation , this happened near a graveyard :P.
I am not writing the very obvious ones - like always wear your seatbelt , or dont drive if you are feeling sleepy etc.
--- to be continued in next post
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