This monsoon, keep a hammer with you

Traffic Police issues a list of do's and don'ts for motorists this year; advises people to keep water, snacks handy when driving

 With memories of the paralysing 26/7 deluge of 2005 refusing to fade from the minds of people, the Mumbai Traffic Police have drawn a list of precautionary measures for motorists.
Seventeen persons had lost their lives in the floods, in 14 separate incidents, when the central locking system of their vehicles got jammed. All persons had suffocated to death inside their vehicles.
Taking no chances this year, the traffic police authorities have now issued a list of 'do's' and 'dont's', some of which read as particularly interesting.
KEEP A HAMMER
For one, traffic authorities suggest drivers keep a hammer inside their vehicles. They say it can be they can use it to break windshields in case of an emergency. "In 2005, over a dozen of people died of suffocation when the central locking system of their cars failed. The cars had been submerged in water, causing the doors to jam. During calamities, people tend to lose their presence of mind and start to panic. It's always better to be prepared and so we have suggested people be equipped with a hammer," said Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Sanjay Barve.
    It has also been suggested that motorists keep two litres of drinking water and sufficient amounts of snacks at all times, in case of severe traffic jams. And since high tides contribute to water logging, they have asked motorists to keep tuned in to FM channels and keep a check on high and low tide situations of their areas.
MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE
The list also raises concerns about the way vehicle owners maintain their four/two wheelers and the manner they drive them during rains. According to the police, roads get especially slippery after the first few showers due to accumulated dust and lubricants. Therefore, they say it's best to avoid over speeding and breaking suddenly, while driving. Among others things, they say vehicles should be serviced properly before rains and wipers and car batteries be kept in good order. Worn out tyres should also be replaced and a spare tyres be kept handy.
KNOW ABOUT TIDES
The traffic police have cautioned motorists travelling in low lying areas to be careful especially when high tide coincide with heavy rains, as they result in flooding. In such cases, they say, its' best to leave their car at assigned parking places.
    "These are the general guidelines for the public, which is for their safety. We are sure if people adhere to them, the monsoon will be safe," said DCP Harish Baijal who has additional charge of traffic (North).
    To know about parking lots, weather forecast, route diversions and timings of high tide one can visit www. trafficpolicemumbai.org, the official web site of Mumbai Traffic Police.
SOME PRECAUTIONS FOR CITY MOTORISTS

• Check wipers and car battery. Keep a small torch.

• Check brakes, brake oil and condition of the brake axel and brake liners.

• Keep sufficient quantity of fuel in the fuel tank.

• Get your air conditioner serviced before monsoon.

• Check the central locking system of the vehicle and tool kit box.

• Keep fire extinguisher in the vehicle and First Aid Box in ready condition.

• Pool your cars, save fuel and the hassle of driving yourself everyday.

• Avoid frantic calls as it jams cellular networks.

• Try staggering office hours to reduce congestion in the Public Transport System.

• Do not panic, if faced with adversities, call the Traffic Police Control room on 24937746, 24937755, 2 4 9 3 7 7 4 7 , 24939717,24940303 ext - 100.

• Help others in distress — whenever possible.

The deluge of 2005 had claimed more than 400 lives