As automotive journalists, travelling is a constant. And post the pandemic we have done our best to keep ourselves, and those around us safe. But now that restrictions have eased up, travelling is becoming less of a chore and more people are open to a road trip than in the recent past. So, to help all of you get on to the road safely, we decided to host our first Hyundai Safety Drive post the pandemic to alleviate your concerns about road tripping in the new normal with a small trip of our own to the Kasarsai dam in Pune.
The day started early as we gathered the participants at the Sanjay Hyundai dealership at Wakdewadi. After a brief introduction, our Ed Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra held a socially distanced briefing for the participants about how to keep themselves safe while on road trips in the new normal, along with road safety tips to make them better drivers on the road.
This is our first road trip post the lockdown and with our new Creta. We had an awesome experience at the drive. It gives us a very luxurious feeling and we enjoy each and every moment in the car. We’ve already created so many memories in the new Creta. As soon as we sit in the car we sanitise our hands and always wear our masks. And as soon as we are back after a journey, we make sure to sanitise the car once againSneha and Swapnil Tawde
We followed strict safety and health guidelines and also had a doctor amongst the participants who educated us about safety measures to be taken while on road trips. The tips included carrying sanitization kits, carrying your own food and maintaining social distancing when possible, even inside the cars. After an hour-long interaction session, we flagged the drive from the Sanjay Hyundai dealership, with the all-new Hyundai i20 leading a long line of Cretas, a Verna and the Aura. With the i20 in the lead, we demonstrated safe driving practices to the participants behind, including using the indicator when changing direction, stopping at red lights and of course we also preach the #BeTheBetterGuy way of life by giving way to pedestrians and other road users.
The drive wasn’t too long and we reached our destination sooner than we expected. K Rocks Resort — a picturesque lakeside breakfast spot, secluded from the city’s hustle and bustle. Many of our participants brought their kids along and the location came as an absolute joy for them and they loved getting back out in the open after some long months of being confined to their houses.
I strongly believe that people should follow all the rules and regulations regarding road safety that are imposed by the government. Most accidents are caused by the carelessness of people, and not the lack of infrastructure. I feel that road safety is very important in India and the traffic police and government must ensure that those who are breaking the law are severly penalised.Yash and Nipun Garg
While it is important to be safe from the pandemic, it is also important to be safe drivers. Remember to keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving, always overtake vehicles from the right and look ahead to anticipate and react to hazards in time. Wearing seatbelts is unquestionable — not only for the driver but for the passengers also. And it is also important to adhere to speed limits. Following these safety measures will not only keep you protected from the pandemic but will also keep you and others safe on the roads.
People don't take road safety in India as seriously as they should. My experience is that a lot of people don't think wearing seatbelts in mandatory. And people even think it is cool to break the law. Yes, there are ones who follow the rules, but they are very few in comparison. If we want to improve road safety in India, we cannot just blame the government for lack of infrastructure, as responsible citizens we must do our bit as well by following the rules and obeying traffic policeSantosh Golhar
The purpose of the drive was also to educate participants on safe practices to follow while travelling during the pandemic. We want you enthusiasts to enjoy the Thrill of Driving, but safety is paramount. Hyundai’s ‘Be The Better Guy’ campaign started out as an effort to promote safe driving. But, after an incredibly challenging year that has turned our daily lives upside down, the campaign isn’t just about staying safe while being behind the wheel but also about staying safe from the challenges that Covid-19 has thrown our way. At its very core, being considerate for fellow human beings is a message that we have always promoted. Now, in a post-pandemic world, that idea should be fundamental to how we conduct ourselves, on the road, or elsewhere.