5 Simple Things to Remember for Stress-Free Driving

According to an article published in The Hindustan Times on November 16, 2016, a woman allegedly mowed down two people on a highway in Haryana in a case of drunken driving. Unfortunately, this is just a single case of drunk driving in a country that sees such occurrences almost everyday. The lady was taken into custody and an FIR was registered in the case. In most cases, such drivers do not have proper auto insurance, making the financial situation worse for them.

Every person needs to take certain pledges and make simple changes for stress-free driving, including not to drink before or while driving and to ensure that your vehicle insurance is always updated.

Simple Things You Need to Remember While Driving

1. Avoid Racing - It's quite normal to have an adrenaline rush by putting the pedal to the metal, racing that red light, or riding someone’s bumper. However, it is your duty to remind yourself that such behaviour is acceptable only on the race track! Such an adrenaline rush can have very harmful consequences on the road. 
2. Stop Being a Time Machine - Did you ever feel determined to make up for lost time when you are behind schedule? When we take over our vehicle, we cannot predict the traffic, weather or the lights, which could cause a serious delay in the schedule. However, it not wise to weave and veer and try to rush to your destination. Start early, giving yourself a bit of extra time for some unpredicted traffic delays. 
3. Don't Tailgate - While driving, you should leave plenty of room between yourself and the driver in front of you, to avoid tailgating, which is one of the biggest causes of accidents. Providing safety to your life, this will surely guarantee a less stressful ride and enough time to apply the brakes when needed. 
4. Say No to Cell Phones Behind the Steering Wheels - Unfortunately, while it  is banned to use the mobile phone while driving, we don’t hesitate to take a call or check a text without pulling over to the side. Research shows that a driver’s reaction times while on the cell phone are similar to reaction times of people with high blood alcohol levels. It is always better to pull over if you need to take a call. 
5. Forgive the Stupidity of Others - Yes, our Indian roads are full of people doing stupid things on the road that risks their own life as well as those of others, such as running across a busy street or weaving through fast moving traffic. Defensive driving is the best we can hope for in the country. So, always be alert for others making mistakes, since they are bound to happen. Don’t let someone else’s dumb move ruin your day!

In addition to all of the above, make sure you have updated auto insurance in your car at all times!