Tips to avoid breakdowns, detours and accidents while traveling by road

In today’s fast-paced life, road trips have become a part of everyday life. Sometimes emergency situations like losing your way or sudden breakdown of the vehicle may occur. In such a situation, nervousness is the biggest enemy. By keeping a calm mind and taking the right steps, you can not only save your life but can also keep your family and friends safe.

In this article, we will tell you ways to deal with common problems ranging from losing your way, vehicle breakdown, accident, running out of fuel and other common problems. With thorough preparation, important numbers and safety tips, you can make yourself strong enough to deal with any situation. Come, let us know these tips and tricks.

Forgot the way?

If you have lost your way, do not panic immediately. Stop the vehicle at a safe place. Open Google Maps or Apple Maps in mobile and ask a trusted person to share the location. If there is no internet, download offline maps beforehand. Understand the direction by looking at nearby landmarks like temples, schools, petrol pumps or boards. Estimate east-west from the direction of the sun during the day.

Always keep the fuel level above half so that you can travel extra miles. Ask directions from local people but do not go alone and be careful. If there is any doubt, do not seek help. Dial the national emergency number 112 immediately. This is for police, ambulance and fire. It is completely active in Uttar Pradesh. If on National Highway, call 1033 NHAI helpline (24×7 toll-free), they will send an ambulance, highway patrol or a crane.

Had a breakdown?

In case of vehicle breakdown, first move the vehicle to the left side of the road (shoulder), turn on hazard lights. Raise the hood to signal other drivers. Wear a reflective jacket at night or in low visibility. Install warning triangle. 45 meters behind on normal road, 100 meters behind on highway. If there is heavy traffic, stay inside the vehicle, lock the doors and wear your seat belt.

If you have a flat tyre, change it if you know how. Apply handbrake, lift the car with a jack, loosen the nuts, change the tyre, tighten the nuts and lower it. If it doesn’t come then don’t tease yourself. Call the roadside assistance (RSA) number of the insurance company. Most companies like HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz provide free towing and repairs. 1033 or 112 will also help. If the battery is dead, seek help from another vehicle using jumper cables or call a professional. If the engine is overheating, coast the vehicle on the shoulder and let the engine cool down. If you run out of fuel, order a can from a nearby petrol pump or call RSA.

Got into an accident?

If an accident happens, the first thing to do is stay calm. Check for injuries of yourself and your colleagues. If it seems serious, immediately call 108 ambulance or 112. Give first aid. If bleeding occurs, stop it by applying pressure and tie a bandage. In case of a minor accident, pull both the vehicles aside, take photographs, note down the numbers of witnesses, exchange driver details (name, phone, insurance). Inform the police, as FIR is necessary for insurance claim. If there is a hit and run, remember the number or take a photo. Never repair your car on a busy road.

Bonus Tips: Always wear seatbelt while driving a car, follow the speed limit and take breaks when tired. When traveling alone, avoid going out at night. Women and children should be especially cautious. Avoid areas with fog, rain or floods. If a power line has fallen on a vehicle, stay inside. Do not go into flood water. By adopting these tips, you can easily deal with any roadside emergency.