DAYANANDA SAGAR ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND

MANAGEMENT
Opp. Art of Living, Udayapura, Kanakapura Road, Bangalore-560082
Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi and Approved by AICTE, New Delhi
Information Science and Engineering Accredited by NBA, New Delhi
NAAC Accredited with A+ Grade

Report on:
“Road Safety”

Team members:
 Riya Raikar
 Yashaswini K.K.
 Swaroop Patil
 Kiran Kumar
 Samarth N.
 Ved K.
 Tejas Ramcharan

Introduction
India ranks high when it comes to number of accidents on the road. However, in the recent
years, improvement has been seen in this area. With the rapid increase in the number of
vehicles on the road, the traffic conditions are under a lot of pressure. Therefore, road safety
is one of the most serious public health issues in our country. It has an impact on everyone,
whether one drives a vehicle, walks or rides a cycle.
Understanding Road Safety
Road safety refers to the measures which must be adopted by everyone while using roads.
These safety methods are meant for reducing the risk of accidents and injuries or causalities
on the road. These rules must be followed by all users of roads including pedestrians, cyclists,
motorists, and bus and truck drivers. Safety methods also relate to the construction, layout of
roads as well as traffic regulation systems. So, we can summarise that road safety involves:
(i) the design of roads and highways;
(ii) laws pertaining to traffic and vehicles;
(iii) systems of traffic safety and control;
(iv) driver education;
(v) school students’ education;
(vi) mass education;
(vii) traffic regulation and road safety signs;
(viii) vehicle design; and
(ix) motor vehicle safety inspection and maintenance.
Keeping our roads safe is not that difficult a task. Imagine if everyone follows simple safety
measures and traffic rules, there will be no accident!

Importance of Road Safety

Road Safety Some of the major causes of road accidents are as follows: -
(i) Lack of highway safety
(ii) Drunken driving
(iii) Driving in an exhausted state for long hours
(iv) Using cell phone while driving
(v) Over speeding or rash driving Automotive Service Technician
(vi) Driving in wrong lanes
(vii) Turning without giving signal
(viii) Overtaking from wrong side.

It can be seen that road safety is a collective responsibility. Therefore, each one of us has to
take steps required of us.

Role of Government and Public Sector

 (i) Develop stricter road safety polices
(ii) Generate funds for road safety awareness
(iii) Stricter enforcement of rules by government
(iv) Building better roads and highways

Role of General Community

(i) Acceptance of road safety rules, regulations and policies
(ii) Participation in road safety awareness drives to enhance people’s knowledge about
road safety

Role of Education Sector

(i) Inclusion of road safety modules in school curriculum
(ii) Impart road safety education with the help of experts in this area
(iii) Impart effective driver training for learners as well as existing drivers

Role of Media
(i) Communicate road safety messages through print and electronic media
(ii) Support road safety initiatives through responsible and objective reporting

Role of Health Professionals

(i) Strengthen trauma facilities in our country.
(ii) Organise workshops for saving the lives of people in road accidents.

Improvement in Infrastructure
(i) Adopt effective and safe traffic management measures while planning and
designing infrastructure. For example, government approved road design, design of
overbridges, road signages, etc.

Hurdles in Road Safety

(i) Negligence by civilians
(ii) Pathetic condition of roads
(iii) Unsafe vehicle design
(iv) Violation of road safety standards
(v) Lack of emergency services
(vi) Defects in highway designing
Some measures undertaken by the Road Safety Cell are: -
(i) Publicity programmes
(ii) Grants-in-aid to voluntary organisations for organising road safety programmes
(iii) National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme
(iv) Refresher training to heavy vehicle drivers in unorganised sector
(v) Setting up of Model Driving Training school
(vi) Within the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, massive road sector
development programmes, such as observing Road Safety Week or conducting eye
check-ups for truck drivers, the government is working closely with agencies like the
World Bank, Asian Development Bank to improve road safety.

Ignorance to road safety is costing more lives than you

think act now!!!

Report by Riya Raikar: -

Road Safety Rules to Follow in India
Every State government has enacted certain road laws to protect its citizens. They have also
enacted laws to protect animals and pedestrians. Below are some of the key road safety
measures.
1. Animal Safety
Cattle, cats and dogs are allowed to roam freely. Hence, avoid hurting them or running them
over while driving.
2. Cross on Zebra Crossing
The importance of road safety is lost on those who do not use the zebra crossing to cross a road!
The black and white stripes are there for a reason, and for your safety, make use of it to cross
the road.
3. Drinking and Driving
Among the important road safety rules is to avoid consuming alcohol and then driving. Alcohol
consumption impairs cognitive functioning and hence prevents a person from being fully in
control of the vehicle.
4. Exhaustion or Health Issues
Road safety rules demand that you not drive if you have some health issues. Moreover, if you are
exhausted, then also it is advised not to drive.
5. Follow Traffic Lights
Be obedient to all the traffic signals. Walk when the signal shows green to walk. Also, follow
traffic lights when driving.
6. Keeping to the Left
Among the safety rules on the road, a vital one is keeping to the left while walking or driving so
that you do not collide with vehicles coming from the right.
7. Slow Down at Intersections
Slow down while entering the main road, crossings, intersections, and corners,
8. Turn Signals and Hand Gestures
Use the necessary signals when you are turning, slowing down or allowing some other vehicle to
pass. Do not use horns in the silent zone.
9. Use of Mobile Phones
Using mobile phones while on the road can cost lives. Hence, as a road safety point, avoid using
your mobile phone while on the road. 
These were the most important of the road safety rules. There are others discussed below.

Road Safety Rules and Regulations for Cars

These are the road safety rules for those driving cars.
1. Wear Seatbelts
Section 183 (3) CMVR 177 MVA of the Motor Vehicles Act states the fine for not wearing a
seatbelt while driving. Hence for car drivers, the most important rule is to wear seatbelts.
2. Avoid Getting Distracted
When driving, avoid getting distracted. Instead, focus fully on the road.
3. Respect Speed Limits
Driving at higher speeds can lead you to pay the penalty or cause an accident.
4. Maintain Your Car
An ill-maintained vehicle can cause an accident. Hence, you should maintain your car so that
your ill-maintained car doesn’t cause accidents.

Road Safety Rules and Regulations for Bikes

Here are the road safety guidelines for bikes.
1. Wear a Helmet
Always wear ISI-certified helmets while driving. These will protect your head during a collision.
2. Do Not Swerve Between Lanes
Many drivers enjoy biking. However, swerving between lanes causes a lot of accidents. Hence,
this should be avoided. Hence, follow lane discipline and try not to manoeuvre in tiny gaps.

What Are the Road Safety Rules for Kids?

Here are some road safety precautions that kids should be aware of as they are growing up.
 Children should know the basic safety signals and signs. They should know that green
means to go through and red means to stop.
 Also, they should learn not to stick out their hands from moving cars and vehicles.
 They should know how to cross the road. So, the kids need to follow the stop, look and
cross rule.
 Kids should listen out for the horns and sound of vehicles. This way, they will be able to
avoid vehicles that are coming from behind the bend.
 Children should never run-on roads, especially on busy ones. They may mistakenly collide
with the cars and be the cause of an accident.
 Additionally, children should always use the sidewalk. Moreover, they should be taught
to cross only on the pedestrian crossing.
 Also, children should avoid crossing the road on bends as motorists may not see them
coming.
 Road safety rules for kids include getting off the bus only at the curb side.
 Also, do not suddenly open doors. Open doors only after looking behind you to see if no
vehicles are coming that way.
 Never wear dark-coloured clothes at night. Drivers should be able to recognise a person
walking at a reasonable distance.
What Are the Different Traffic and Road Safety Issues?
Road safety in India is very poor. Despite several government rules and regulations, there are
mishaps and accidents. Here are some of the issues that continue to plague us.
 Bad Implementation of the Road Safety Standards- Sometimes, the correct road signs
are not marked or implemented. These should be corrected at the earliest by the
responsible authority.
 Bad Vehicle Design- Indian car manufacturers do not design their vehicles with many
safety features involved. Unlike the west, where cars are manufactured with many
automatic safety features, Indian vehicles still lag.
 Indifferent Governments- Governments do not plan their roads properly. Moreover,
governments are also indifferent about the state of the roads.
 Lack of Emergency Services- Even though there are road safety rules, there is a complete
lack of emergency services. When a quick response team is not available, victims
succumb to their injuries on the spot. Hence, it is highly important that there be
emergency services.
 Lack of Responsibility Among Citizens- Moreover, there is a complete lack of
responsibility among citizens. Most of the time it is they who commit the wrong.
 Poor Roads- Poor roads are always a cause of road accidents in India.

Road Safety Tips Everyone Should Follow

Below are some road safety tips that everyone should follow:
 Road safety rules and regulations state that you should never use a mobile phone while
driving.
 Wear seatbelts and helmets.
 Walk carefully on the sidewalks and only cross on the zebra crossing.
 Be careful of speed limits.
 Never drink and drive.
 Take care of citizens, children and pedestrians.
In conclusion, road safety rules are a highly vital part of civilised living. It is important that every
citizen knows and abides by the rules that the government sets. Even children and teenagers
should be educated and made aware of the road regulations in a country.
Scan the below QR Code to get all other Essential and Basic Road safety rules.
To recognize the graveness of the matter and to enlighten people of the ways to become
more cognizant about their safety on the road, the Government of India, in collaboration
with various state governments, observes the

National Road Safety Week from January 11 to January 17.

Report by Yashaswini K K:
Road safety is of prime importance as it is essential to avoid unnecessary accidents. We’ve
already lost a lot of lives just because we haven’t been careful enough. Safety is gainful, accident
is painful.

Safety begins with a team work and we all have to keep an eye out to not just our safety but also
the safety of others too. Safety rules are your best tools for survival. We all have come across
someone who has met with a terrible accident.

So, it is not uncommon. With the right steps we can avoid any harm to ourselves and others.

The best gift we can give our family is ourselves. It is not something new that India’s roads are
the most chaotic place to ride a vehicle. It is mandatory to adhere to the rules while you are on
the road.

Road safety rules are not to be taken lightly but most people don’t even follow the speed lanes
correctly. According to the Road Safety Annual Report, there has been a significant rise in the
fatalities just because people are not careful about the rules created just for the safety of them.

How many of you know about the road safety week that is conducted every year on January?

People forget to follow simple rules like zebra crossing is for pedestrians.

The new measures implemented aims to make the roads safer to both drivers and pedestrians.
A lot of road accidents in India occur due to over speeding and recklessness.

If you could just be more cautious a life could be saved. There are signs on the road that you fail
to notice just because you are driving your vehicle fast.

These road signs are carefully implemented by road safety authorities after checking on the
probability of the accidents. Responsible driving is to keep an eye out for road signs and follow
them without prejudice. Check out this infographic to know the 30 essential road safety rules in
India. 
Every now and then, we come across new vehicles on the road. Hence, it is vital to know and to
follow the basic road safety rules and to ensure that everyone else follow these rules too. The
road safety rules are designed to suit the best interest of the Indian citizens. In a huge country
like India, it may be difficult to execute these safety rules; but, it is not impossible.

30 Essential Basic Road Safety Rules in India

1. Keep Left Drive

Adjacent to the left side of the road and let other vehicles in the opposite direction to pass
on the right-hand side.

2. Turning Left

If you want to turn left, stay close to the left side and then, turn left. After turning, continue
to stay to the left side of the road.

3. Turning Right

When you want to turn right, you should first come to the centre of the road carefully and
then, turn right keeping your vehicle close to the left side of the road .

4. Passing

Always remember to pass or overtake the vehicle in front of yours from its right side.

5. Passing Prohibited

Overtaking or passing a vehicle and progress in the same direction is prohibited in the
following cases:

i. If overtaking or passing causes trouble to any other vehicle moving in any direction.
 ii. Overtaking is prohibited in a curve as you may not have a clear view of the road
ahead and sometimes, it may lead to serious accidents.
iii. It is not wise to overtake or pass if you see the other vehicle's driver already starting
to overtake your vehicle.
iv. If the other driver does not give a signal allowing your vehicle to overtake their
vehicle.

6. When another Vehicle Overtakes your Vehicle

You should not try to increase your speed or do anything that prevents the other vehicle
from passing or overtaking.

7. Intersections

You should be extra cautious while approaching a junction, intersections or a crossing.

Make sure that your vehicle does not cause any inconvenience to other vehicles or
pedestrians.

8. Right of Way

While approaching an intersection, always give a right of way to vehicles already progressing
on that particular road. In other cases, you should proceed only after giving way to vehicles
approaching from the right side of the road.

9. Emergency Vehicles

As a road user, it is your responsibility to give way to fire service vehicles and ambulances.

10. Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right of way at pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings.

11. “U” Turns

u turns can only be taken when

i. There is no warning sign nearby

ii. You give a proper indication to other vehicle drivers that you are going to take a U turn
either by hand signals or vehicle indicators.
iii. You confirm through the mirrors that there is no traffic behind your vehicle.
iv. There is no traffic around your vehicle and take U turn only when it is safe.

12. Required Signals

If your vehicle indicators get damaged without any warning, what will you do? At this
juncture, hand signals can be really helpful and hence, it is essential for you to learn them.
Here are certain situations where hand signs can be used when your vehicle indicator or
brakes are not in proper working condition:

i. When your vehicle is slowing down

ii. When your vehicle is preparing to stop
iii. When you are planning to turn right or overtake a vehicle from the right side
iv. When you plan to turn left
v. v. When you give permission to the vehicle behind you to overtake your vehicle .

13. Indicators

By using mechanical devices or electronic devices, you can simplify the signals for indication.

14. Parking

When you park the vehicle, make sure that it does not cause any hurdle or disturbance to
any other road users.

15. Registration
 No goods or loads should be kept in a way that hinders the visibility of other vehicles, the
headlamps, tail lamps or the vehicle's registration number. If the vehicle's registration
number is some way tampered, it should be replaced immediately with a duplicate one.

16. One way Roads

In the case of one way roads, try to drive only in the direction indicated on the road signs.
Never park your vehicle in reverse on a one way street.

17. Stop Lines

When there are stop lines on the road, ensure that you stop the vehicle behind those lines.

18. Towing

No vehicles should be towed closer to other vehicles on the road. Some of the exceptions
are:

i. Vehicles that are mechanically disabled

ii. Partially assembled vehicles
iii. iii. Registered trailers and sidecars
iv. All these vehicles are allowed to tow for the purpose of delivery, reaching the nearest
service station, or garage.

19. Noise

Drivers should not:

i. Use the horn needlessly

ii. Use the horn in prohibited areas like hospital zones, school zones, etc.
iii. Use horns that are blaring, irritating, or loud
iv. Use vehicles that cause a lot of noise when in motion v. Drive vehicles without proper
silencers.
20. Traffic Lights and Signs

Always obey traffic signs, the instructions given by traffic officials or any other authorized
person.

21. Following Distance

It is better to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you since there is a chance for
the vehicle to stop suddenly. When you keep sufficient distance, you will be able to avoid
unnecessary hazards.

22. Right of way on Steep Roads

When the width of the road decreases, it will be difficult for each vehicle to pass at the same
time. In such cases, it is always better to stop your vehicle aside and let the other vehicle
pass.

23. Obstruction of Control

You should not allow anything that obstructs the view of the road. No one should be
permitted to settle, stand, or place anything that hinders his control on the vehicle.

24. Passing Pedestrians

Do not drive your vehicle at a speed of more than 25 km/hr, especially when you pass a
procession, meeting, strike, or a march.

25. Tractor and Goods Carriages

It is not allowed to carry passengers on a tractor. Also, drivers of good carriages should not
allow more passengers than registered.
26. Loading

It is dangerous to overload vehicle with materials. There should not be anything in the loads
that extend towards the front, back or rear side of the vehicle that cause inconvenience to
other road users.Also, it should follow the height restrictions decided by the authorities .

27. Dangerous Materials

It is better for a public transport service to not carry explosive, inflammable, or harmful
substances as it can be dangerous to them as well as other road users.

28. Driving in Reverse

When you take reverse, you should ensure that it does not cause annoyance to any other
people on the road.

29. Essential Documents

A driver should possess the following documents while driving a vehicle:

a. Driving license

b. Registration certificate of the vehicle

c. Taxation certificate

d. Insurance certificate

e. Fitness certificate

f. Permit
 All the above documents should be produced on the demand of a police officer or any
authorized person. If the documents are not with them, either the attested copies should be
given to the officer directly or sent by post within 15 days.

30. Additional Regulations

In addition to the rules mentioned above, the drivers should be aware about their duties,
speed limits, weight limits, signals, etc. Also, they should have an idea about the
consequences of driving vehicles without relevant documents, drunken driving etc.

The above-mentioned rules can be very much valuable for people of all ages. These rules
can make the people safe and secure on the roads.

Every year, the number of vehicles on road goes on increasing; so does the importance of
road safety. Hence, knowing essential road safety rules can help you and your friends from
road related crisis.
REPORT BY:SWAROOP S PATIL -ACTIVE &PASSIVE SAFETY

Active safety technology can prevent accidents from happening altogether or at least actively
help the driver to reduce the consequences of an emergency situation. To that end, various
safety systems constantly monitor the performance and surroundings of a vehicle. Simply
put, active safety systems avoid or mitigate an accident pre-impact, so before it can actually
happen.

First wave of active safety

The first wave of active safety technology is already widely fitted to today’s passenger cars
and commercial vehicles. Approximately 80-90% of the cars on Europe’s roads come
equipped with technologies such as:
Second wave of active safety

Now, a second wave of active safety measures is being introduced, using cutting-edge
technology such as on-board sensors, radar, cameras, GPS and lasers

The second wave of active safety innovation includes measures such as:
 AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEMS
 AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEMS
 LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE (LKA) SYSTEMS
 DROWSINESS AND ATTENTION DETECTION SYSTEMS
 TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS)

PASSIVE SAFETY
Passive safety systems protect the occupants of a vehicle and other road users if a crash
occurs. They do this by reducing the impact of an accident or the level of injury. In other
words, passive safety technology is all about mitigating the consequences of an accident
during and after impact.

Road safety is a complex phenomenon, depending on lots of different factors and

interactions.
Vehicle technology is just one piece of this complex safety puzzle.
Equally important factors are the behaviour of drivers and other road users, the maintenance
and design of road infrastructure, traffic rules and their enforcement, as well as vehicle fleet
age and composition, to name just a few.

Today, a range of built-in mechanisms protect occupants of a car in case of a crash, such as
However, passive safety systems are only really effective if vehicle occupants are wearing
seatbelts, which means that seatbelt reminder systems – and enforcement – are also
important

Report By : T P Kiran Kumar

A guide to overtaking safely on the road

If you drive regularly on single-lane roads, you’ll eventually need to overtake a slower vehicle. This
could be a tractor, lorry or just a Sunday driver taking their time.
Overtaking on single-lane roads can be daunting for newly qualified drivers –even some
established ones – but it’s an important manoeuvre to master safely and confidently.

What is overtaking?
Overtaking is passing another slower moving road user that’s travelling in the same direction as
you.
This is usually another vehicle, but could also be a cyclist, horse or other road user.

Is overtaking on a single-lane road illegal?

It is illegal if there are signs or road markings clearly prohibiting it, or if it’s done in an unsafe,
reckless or uncontrolled way.
Examples of this include when you don’t have clear visibility of the road ahead – maybe in poor
weather, such as rain or fog – or if you must break the speed limit in order to overtake
Can you speed to overtake?

As rule 125 of the Highway Code states, the speed limit is the absolute maximum you should drive
on any particular road. This does not exclude overtaking.
Exceeding the speed limit for any reason is dangerous as well as illegal and could see you hit with
penalty points, a hefty fine, or even being banned from the roads entirely.
While overtaking is, of course, legal, there are strict rules about how and when it is safe to
overtake – the most fundamental being that you should only overtake ‘when it is safe and legal to
do so’.
If you’re caught speeding while overtaking, you could collect a fine up to £2,500 and six points on
your licence, depending on your speed and the road you’re caught on.

The rules for overtaking safely

When overtaking on a single-lane road it’s important to follow these steps:
1. Consider if it’s necessary. You may feel frustrated being stuck behind someone driving slowly and
holding up your journey, but if you’re getting off that road soon anyway, is it worth the risk? How
much time will you really save?
2. Ask if it’s safe to overtake. Are there ‘no overtaking’ signs in the road? Are there any hazards
ahead such as pedestrian crossings or a junction? Are you coming up to a bend or is there a dip in
the road obscuring your vision? Never try to overtake unless you have clear visibility of both lanes of
the road ahead.
3. Check both lanes. Do you have a clear line of vision? Will there be enough space (around 100
metres) ahead after overtaking? Remember, you’ll not only need enough space to speed up to
overtake, but also space to pass the car in front and cross back over in front without causing them
to slow down.
4. Keep in mind your car’s performance. Are you used to normally driving by yourself, but today you
have passengers and luggage in the boot? Or is the road uphill?
5. Do not assume you can follow another car that’s overtaking ahead of you. They may have
judged that there’s enough room for them to overtake, but there may not be for you too. Plus, you
won’t necessarily have clear visibility of the road when following another car.
6. Check your mirrors. Make sure the road is clear – not just ahead of you in the oncoming lane, but
also behind you and in your blind spot – there may be a car or motorcycle about to overtake you
that you don’t initially see.
7. Drop back slightly and signal. This will give you acceleration space while indicating to the car in
front of you (or any behind you) that you’re about to overtake.
8. Keep checking the road and your mirrors. If there’s an unexpected hazard, you’ll need to drop
back quickly and safely.
9. Accelerate assertively. Make sure to overtake quickly and in a controlled, confident way.
10. Don’t cut up the driver you’ve overtaken. As a rule of thumb, don’t start to pull back across into
your lane until you can see the entire overtaken car in your central rear-view mirror. Then smoothly
pull back in and don’t stop accelerating until it’s safe to ease into your normal speed.

Can I overtake more than one car?

You must only do this if it is safe to do so and under certain conditions:
1. The opposite side of the road is sufficiently clear to safely overtake
2. There‘s a suitable gap in front of the vehicles you plan to overtake
3. You have a clear view ahead of you
4. A road user behind isn’t attempting to overtake you

When should I not overtake?

You should not overtake on a single-lane road in these circumstances:
1. In poor weather conditions: such as rain or fog where you are unable to safely see the road in
front of you.
2. When you don’t have clear visibility of the road: such as on a bend, a hump bridge, or on the
brow of a hill.
3. When the road markings forbid it: you may think it’s safe, but there may be a hidden hazard
you’re unaware of.
4. Approaching a potential hazard: such as roadworks, a junction, school crossing, level crossing or
a narrowing of the road ahead.
5. If the vehicle in front of you is indicating right: even if their positioning in the road implies they’re
not turning.

Can I overtake if there’s double white lines?

It is illegal to overtake if there are road signs or markings prohibiting it. These road markings
appear as variations on double white lines; where the line nearest to you is broken, where the line
nearest to you is solid, or where both lines are solid. 

Double white lines where the nearest line is broken

Rule 128 of the Highway Code says you may cross these lines to overtake if it is safe and you can
complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side.
Double white lines where the nearest line is solid

Rule 129 of the Highway Code says you must not cross or straddle these lines unless it is safe
and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road.

There is one exception however; you may cross the line to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a
pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Double white lines where both are solid

These are used to prohibit drivers from travelling in an area of the road used by the opposing flow
of traffic, generally where overtaking visibility is restricted.
You must not overtake if it means crossing or straddling these double solid lines.

How should I overtake a cyclist?

As with horse riders (and motorcyclists), make sure to give at least the same room as you would
do car. As with all overtaking manoeuvres make sure to only attempt when it’s safe to do so and
clearly indicate your intentions.
Report by : Ved

Introduction
We have all been confronted by poor road conditions and the threat of the dreaded
pothole. It is especially on our rural roads and after the rainy seasons that the road
surface comes under pressure and the cracks and holes in the road surface start to
appear.
In some areas, the road authorities are fast to respond swiftly with road repairs, in
others, it may take months if not years to repair our roads.
If you are to drive off our highways - expect that NO amount of preparation can prevent
exposure to potholes.
We would like to compile some guidance on how to deal with potholes to avoid
additional damage and event the risk of road crashes.

Vehicle Fitness for Driving on Roads with Potholes

What can we do in terms of vehicle fitness/roadworthiness when driving in areas with
potholes?
Ensure your tyres are inflated according to the manufacturer’s requirements. A
properly inflated tyre creates a cushion of air between a pothole and a vehicle. An
under-inflated tyre may not have enough resistance to withstand the impact of a
pothole. Monitor the tyre pressure and condition to ensure they are ready for the
rigours of the road.
 Keep the Suspension Well Maintained - If you notice a problem with the suspension
such as uneven tyre wear, consult with the experts. Suspension problems can make
damage from a pothole more severe and more expensive.
Be Visible - See and Be Seen. Ensure that you have a clear vision to the surface of
the roads. Keep your windscreen/ windshield clean and the window wipers in effective
working condition for driving in the rain and on wet roads.
Lights and Lighting: Your headlights must allow you optimal lighting and visibility
ahead of the vehicle. Have them tested regularly!
Maintain your vehicle and keep it roadworthy at all times! Money spent on preventative
measures is often less expensive than repair afterwards.

Safe Driving Techniques to Prevent Crashes from

striking Potholes

Even though you might not always be able to avoid driving through a pothole, defensive
driving measures may reduce the severity of damage and prevent a nasty collision!

Defensive driving includes an awareness of where other traffic is before swerving to

avoid the pothole.
Allow yourself the time and space to respond swiftly at the sight of a pothole on the
road!
While driving be observant and look out for potholes. Avoid driving distracted!
Sometimes being aware that one is coming gives the driver enough time to avoid
hitting it.
Reduce Speed/ Slow Down when driving at night, in poor visibility and on wet roads.
Slow down when you see the road is poorly maintained - where there is one there
may be more potholes.
Increase your following distance to the vehicle ahead of you: The 3 Second following
distance may not be enough, especially when following trucks and other heavier
vehicles who may obscure your vision to the road ahead. The pothole may appear too
quickly for swift and effective response.
Speed matters! If you cannot avoid a pothole, you can minimize damage by slowing
down before you hit it. The faster you drive; the more damage is likely. You do need
to slow down without creating a hazard, so check to see if anyone is following close
behind you, approaching you or may be in your blind spot!
If you’re forced to drive over a pothole, slow down and treat it as a speedbump to
steer clear of tyre, rim or undercarriage damage.
Don’t break directly over the pothole as this can actually cause more damage. Slow
down prior to going over the pothole.
Hold your steering wheel firmly while driving over a pothole, to avoid losing control
over the car.
 Do not be overly aggressive in your steering changes - it is better to drive over a
pothole than cause a head-on crash or a side-swipe collision!

It is very important to consider other road users

on roads with pothole risks. Sudden change in
direction may be deadly especially for our most
vulnerable road users.

Among the crash reports on the Arrive Alive website, we have found numerous
examples of injury and death to pedestrians and cyclists where drivers have lost control
of their vehicles due to potholes on the road.

Consider the risks of potholes to cyclists and bikers. They may need to change
direction suddenly- Slow down and be ready to give cyclists more space than the
recommended 1.5 metres.
Be cautious of oncoming vehicles - a sudden directional steering change on your
part may result in an incorrect corrective measure from their side as well.
Do not drive right on the centre line - approaching vehicles might also decide to
avoid a pothole by moving to the middle of the road.
Avoid anything that might distract your attention from driving - a distraction may
prevent you from making the correct split-second decision to either avoid the pothole
or to prevent colliding with someone else making an evasive manoeuvre.
REPORT BY:Samarth N –
SOME SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY IN INDIA
 Drive with a considerate attitude
Road safety can be drastically increased if all the drivers on the road were
considerate. For eg, if a person is driving slow then one should be considerate
enough to wait till he gives side. Also if a person is not confident and driving slow then
he should be considerate enough to drive in the slow lane.
 Buckle up
Seatbelts are the basic safety measure that can save lives by just using them
correctly. A lot of new cars come with proper 3 point seat belts at the rear too and
using them can save a lot of lives

 Regular Checkups
Take some time out to check your vehicles for leaks and regular maintenance. This
will not only give you an idea of upcoming repairs but also keep your car in good
shape for release. Check basic fluids and the condition of the parts. Do check tyres
which are the basic contact patch to the road.

 Improve roads
Change in the way roads are made and their maintenance is done will affect in a large
way the number of accidents. The lack of potholes will make driving safer as it will
prevent a sudden change in direction.
 Use proper helmet
We are not saying that you should buy a very expensive helmet but do research
which one offers safety. You can simply buy a helmet that has an ISI mark. You can
also look for basic ECE and DOT certified helmets.
 This Photo by Unknown Author is
licensed under CC
Phone BY-NC-ND
usage control
Phone usage should be strictly avoided while driving the car. Answering calls even
though the media infotainment system is dangerous as it takes our attention off the
road. If as a person we have control over using the phone during driving then it will
avoid a lot of unnecessary accidents.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Drink and Drive laws

Drinking is very dangerous while driving. Being intoxicated behind the wheels makes
you liable to attempted murder. Drink and drive should be avoided. If you are drinking
make sure that you take a cab home and drive your vehicle back later on. Avoiding
drink and drive will improve road safety to a very drastic level.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

 Quick response time
Usually when an accident happens, the response time is too long, which eventually
leads to the death of the victim. The system being slow and disorganized, there is a
chance for more casualties.If the CCTV cameras are integrated with intelligent
solutions, traffic officials will be able to get real-time data and with that information,
they can take immediate action at emergency situations. Road safety
awareness can also help traffic and transportation departments to smoothly
overcome the adverse situations on the road.
 Phone booths and health centres
Though people have smart phones in their possession, they often face network issue.
Poor network is a common issue found in highways. Hence, phone booths can be of
great help to people as they can quickly contact the relevant authorities, especially, in
the case of accidents. 
A health centre can be constructed on highways that help you to provide first aid to
accident victims before admitting them to the hospital. In addition to this, you can also
arrange mobile emergency services for highways in order to reduce the road accident
rates and thereby, enhance road safety.
Implementation of technology on Indian roads can help you to have a safe and
smoother public transit service. Cities and suburbs are increasing in number, and so
is the number of vehicles on the road. Receiving road safety education at the right
time will also help to improve road safety. Road safety education must be made a part
of school curriculum. Also, conducting awareness programs for people will help you to
achieve the road safety goal.