Before You Leave: Your Pre-Trip Safety Check
A successful and safe road trip begins long before you turn the ignition key. Start by checking the forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which provides district-wise alerts. Familiarise yourself with their colour codes: yellow (be
aware), orange (be prepared), and red (take action). If a red alert is issued for your destination or route, the safest decision is to postpone. Prepare your vehicle by checking the essentials: tyre tread and pressure, brakes, wipers, and all lights. Worn tyres and faulty wipers are major hazards on wet roads. Finally, assemble an emergency kit. This should include a first-aid kit, a powerful torch, a power bank for your phone, jumper cables, a tow rope, and non-perishable snacks and water. Having these items can be crucial if you're stranded.
On the Road: Driving in Hazardous Weather
Once you're on the move, stay vigilant. Driving in heavy rain, fog, or high winds requires a different approach. The most important rule is to slow down. Wet roads significantly increase your braking distance, and reducing speed gives you more time to react. Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front—double what you normally would. Use your headlights (on low beam, not high beam which reflects off rain and fog) to improve your own visibility and ensure others can see you. A common and dangerous phenomenon on wet highways is hydroplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road. To avoid this, steer clear of large puddles and standing water. If you must drive through water, do so slowly and steadily. Never attempt to cross a road that is heavily waterlogged; it's impossible to know its depth or the condition of the road beneath.
The Hills Are Alive with Danger: Landslide Risks
Road trips to hilly regions like the Himalayas or the Western Ghats come with the specific risk of landslides, especially during the monsoon. Be extra cautious on mountain roads during and after heavy rainfall. Watch for warning signs like cracks on the road surface, falling rocks, or sudden changes in stream water from clear to muddy. If you suspect a landslide is imminent or see one in progress, do not stop to watch. Your priority is to get to a safe location immediately. If caught, authorities advise moving away from the path of the debris, ideally to higher ground. If escape isn't possible, curl into a ball and protect your head. After a slide, avoid the area as there could be subsequent slides or flooding.
Making the Right Call: When to Turn Back
There can be pressure to push through, especially on a long-awaited holiday. But no destination is worth risking your life for. Heeding official advice is critical. If local authorities advise against travel to a certain area or issue evacuation orders, follow them. Sometimes, the most sensible decision is to change your plans, find a safe place to wait out the weather, or turn back. Having a flexible itinerary is a key part of smart travel. Inform your family or friends of your route and any changes you make. Being prepared to abandon a plan in the face of a credible weather threat isn't a failure; it's the hallmark of an experienced and responsible traveller.
