What should NOT BE DONE while driving

With the number of vehicles increasing manifold every year, being aware of the safety tips while driving is of prime concern. The Government of every country is trying its best to reduce the number of people dying in road accidents by implementing Road Rules, employing competent Traffic Policemen, enhancing the quality of roads and making sure that every vehicle conforms to the standards of the safety codes while driving. However, for all these efforts to produce results the general people must be properly educated on what to do and what not to while driving a vehicle.

Let us now discuss some of those acts which should never be committed while one is driving:

1.  It is a common practice to not put on seat belts while driving especially if there is no traffic police nearby. It has been observed that almost 63 percent of casualties in car accidents could have been saved had the car occupants been wearing seat belts.

2. Another common practice that should be avoided while driving a car is keeping only one hand on the steering wheel. It should always be remembered that having both hands on the wheel helps drivers exert greater control and less fast reaction time in response to a potential accident.

3. Conversing using mobile phones should strictly be avoided when one is driving. Not only does it engage one hand but it also distracts the driver thus increasing the possibilities of an accident. A large number of accidents in recent times can be attributed to this cause.

4. Yet another practice that should be done away with is driving when feeling extremely tired or sleepy.  It is not unnatural to fall asleep when travelling for very long distances especially if there is no one else in the vehicle. These types of situations can cause Road signs to be overlooked as also horns or approaching vehicles often leading to accidents.

5. Overtaking or racing with other vehicles should be avoided as far as possible.

6. Drunken driving should be stopped. There should be strict rules and competent traffic police to enforce this.

7. One should avoid being very close to heavy vehicles while driving on main roads.

8. One should not brake or accelerate abruptly especially in busy roads.

To reduce the number of road accidents just formulating rules does not help; people need to understand that rules are made to enhance their safety and should be followed with utmost sincerity.