Indian roads are considered to be the deadliest. With over 1.72 lakh tragedies in 2023 alone, it is estimated that on average, one death takes place on the road every minute. What makes the data all the more grim is that out of these casualties, almost 10,000 were children.
Road Accidents: A Reality We Cannot Ignore
Buses plunging into gorges, drunk driving, rash driving, and incidents showing a severe disregard for traffic rules are abundant in the news. Lack of safety precautions by car and bike owners, driving without a valid license, and failure to wear seat belts are further complicated by the chaotic crowds on most Indian roads. Hawkers, cycle rickshaws, animal-drawn carts, strays, and pedestrians make roads all the more unsafe.
Road Safety Begins With Responsibility
All this makes initiatives like the Road Safety Week crucial in India. Observed every year from the 11th to 17th January, the aim is to raise awareness of the importance of road safety in reducing fatalities. So, as a car and/or bike owner, make sure you drive more responsibly on the roads. Follow the given practices for cars and bikes, not just during the Road Safety Week, but all the time.
Best Road Safety Practices for Car Drivers
While cars offer physical protection, they also pose certain risks. Remember the following:
1. Always wear a seat belt. This simple practice can reduce the risk of fatal injuries for both drivers and passengers.
2. Do not indulge in speeding and aggressive driving. Your stopping distance is significantly reduced at high speed. This can endanger not only you but also pedestrians and other vehicles around you.
3. Never ever drink and drive. Intoxication of any form impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the likelihood and severity of accidents.
4. Mobile phone usage while driving is a major contributor to accidents. Be alert and avoid distractions while driving.
Best Road Safety Practices for Two-Wheeler Riders
As a two-wheeler rider, you are exposed to a higher risk. Make sure you are following the practices listed below:
1. A helmet significantly reduces the risk of fatal head injuries for riders and pillion passengers. However, it is crucial that you choose a certified helmet that can protect you in case of an accident.
2. Whether you are in a small town or a big city, always follow lane discipline and speed limits
3. Sudden lane changes and overspeeding increase accident risk, especially in mixed traffic.
4. Always use indicators, headlights, and reflective gear, especially at night or in poor weather.
Why Motor Third Party Insurance is Crucial for Road Safety?
As per the Motor Vehicle Act, having a minimum of third party liability insurance is mandatory for every motorised vehicle. So, whether you have a two-wheeler or a car, make sure you have the third party liability coverage. Apart from being mandated by the law, this type of coverage is essential because:
1. Protection for victims
The primary reason for making liability insurance mandatory is to ensure that, if a car or bike causes injury, death, or property damage to another person, the affected party can be compensated through a structured insurance process.
2. Accountability for vehicle owners
Every vehicle owner is responsible for careful driving. By making insurance compulsory, the law reinforces accountability. Drivers are financially responsible for the consequences of their on-road actions.
3. Reduced financial liabilities
Without third party insurance, liabilities can run into lakhs, especially in cases involving serious injury or loss of life. Your insurer can help in minimising this shock, preventing long-term financial ruin.
Read this blog to know all about third party insurance and how it works.
Motor Insurance is a Social Commitment
At Generali Central, our customers’ well-being is of utmost importance. While we always recommend safe, careful driving, we would also like to remind you of your financial responsibility to others in the event of an accident.
With a simple, self-explanatory online portal, buying third-party cover at Generali Central takes just a few minutes. However, it is essential for you to understand that third party liability insurance covers only the liabilities that may arise when you cause damage or injury to a third party's property or person. The damage that is caused to your vehicle will not be covered under this policy.
That’s why investing in a comprehensive policy is a much more recommended option. A combination of third party and own damage cover, a comprehensive policy offers you all-round protection for your beloved car/ bike. With the right motor insurance policy, you can not only get coverage for your vehicle damage but also get the peace of mind that, even in case of an accident, your insurance company will come to your rescue.
In an effort to contribute to Road Safety Week, Generali Central is taking the following measures to make motor insurance more easily accessible.
1. With a user-friendly portal, Generali Central enables easy policy purchase and renewal. The procedures are digital and make everything quick and convenient.
2. Third party premiums are standardised by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and are offered at very reasonable rates. Comprehensive car and bike insurance plans are also affordable, so that they can fit in everyone’s budget.
3. A wide range of add-ons is offered that provide the flexibility to customise protection based on individual needs.
4. With over 6,500 network garages, you can get your vehicle repaired with the facility of a cashless claim.
5. A dedicated customer care assistant assists you at every stage.
In Conclusion
With more than 50% of vehicles plying the roads uninsured, the importance of car insurance must be realised by all. The mandatory cover can come in very handy in managing your liabilities and also offer the required compensation to the victims of the accident.
Generali Central strongly believes that road safety goes beyond preventing accidents. It is also about being prepared for the consequences when accidents do occur. Motor Third Party Insurance is a legal requirement, but more importantly, it is a social responsibility that protects victims and promotes safety on the road.
