Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan 2025: Simple steps to avoid distracted driving and protect lives

While there are laws in place to discourage and punish distracted driving, it is important for all road users to understand its enormous potential for injuries and deaths

Indian roads are shared by motorised and non-motorised vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and often livestock, creating challenging driving conditions. In 2023, a life was lost to road accidents every three minutes in the country.

Distracted driving, involving actions like using a mobile phone, eating, drinking, conversing with co-passengers, reading, watching videos, adjusting the radio/music player, or operating a GPS, is a significant cause of road crash injuries. These crashes are often preventable, and alert behavior from both motorists and pedestrians can greatly enhance road safety for all.

Perils of distracted driving:

While there are laws in place to discourage and punish distracted driving, it is important for all road users to understand its enormous potential for injuries and deaths. The issue also draws significant attention with the proliferation of mobile phone usage while driving.

Let us look at some scenarios where distracted driving can lead to fatalities:

● Texting or talking while driving may make motorists take their eyes off the road which can increase the risk of a road crash.

● Being distracted even on empty roads may result in crashes that are caused by collisions with stray animals or a motorist’s inability to react promptly to changing road conditions.

● Pedestrians using headphones may be unaware of approaching vehicles which can lead to collisions. Around 20% road fatalities in 2023 involved pedestrians.

● Constantly monitoring GPS systems can also make motorists susceptible to road crashes.

How to prevent distracted driving?

Here are some ways in which people can ensure the safety of their loved ones and themselves:

● Keep your hands on the wheel: While it may seem obvious, this thumb rule is often overlooked. Even if one takes the same route every day and at the same time, no two circumstances are the same.

● Do not drive when tired: When you are tired or sleepy, make sure that you do not drive. Falling asleep at the wheel can lead to serious injuries and even death.

● Load maps before starting a trip: To avoid getting distracted by GPS systems, load maps beforehand and go through the route to clarify doubts. One can also switch on the audio function so they do not have to look at the screens for directions.

● Avoid taking calls when driving: It is best to avoid taking calls while driving. Even if you speak using hands-free gadgets, having a conversation may impair driving abilities.

● Avoid eating or drinking: Eating or drinking while driving can mean reduced control over the car.

● Limit passenger distraction: If you have passengers in the vehicle, establish guidelines for behaviour that promotes a distraction-free environment.

● Pull over if you want to make calls: If you need to make a call, check directions or even grab a snack, make sure to pull over into a safe spot before doing so.

A few simple steps can help people avoid distracted driving and make our roads a safer space. Taking precautions can go a long way in preventing road crashes and saving lives.