MR. Manish Nachnani Head of Customer Experience
Zuno General Insurance Limited
Introduction:
As India's road infrastructure undergoes a transformative change with the construction of world-class highways like the Samruddhi Mahamarg and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, it is crucial for drivers to prioritize tyre health, adopt safe driving practices, and secure comprehensive insurance coverage with tyre protection add-ons.
These new cement roads offer a smoother and more durable driving experience compared to traditional tar roads, but they also present new challenges.
In this article, we will explore the importance of tyre maintenance, the benefits of nitrogen inflation, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), comprehensive insurance, and the advantages of opting for tyre protection add-ons. We will also provide a checklist for drivers to ensure a safe journey on India's modernizing roads.
The Shift Towards Cement Roads in India
India boasts the second-largest road network globally, spanning over 6.2 million kilometers. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards the construction of cement roads, which offer superior durability, longevity, and weather resistance compared to traditional tar roads. The length of concrete roads in India has increased from 22,000 kilometers in 2015 to over 40,000 kilometers in 2021, with projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg exemplifying this trend.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, a 701-kilometer expressway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, has witnessed 88 accidents between December 2021 and May 2022, resulting in 29 fatalities and over 100 injuries, according to data from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Factors contributing to these accidents include speeding, driver fatigue, tyre-related issues, and lack of awareness about the unique characteristics of cement roads.
Tyre Health: The Foundation of Safe Driving
Maintaining optimal tyre health is paramount for ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience on India's new cement roads. Properly inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents caused by tyre failure. Studies show that underinflated tyres can increase the risk of a crash by up to 300%, while overinflated tyres can lead to uneven wear and reduced traction.
Nitrogen Inflation: A Solution for Optimal Tyre Pressure
Nitrogen inflation is an innovative solution for maintaining optimal tyre pressure. Unlike regular air, nitrogen is a stable and dry gas that maintains tyre pressure for a longer duration. Research indicates that nitrogen-inflated tyres can maintain their pressure up to four times longer than air-inflated tyres, reducing the risk of tyre failures caused by moisture and oxidation.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): A Technological Advancement
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are electronic systems that continuously monitor the air pressure in a vehicle's tyres and alert the driver when the pressure falls below a predetermined level. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), TPMS can reduce the likelihood of a tyre-related crash by up to 56%. As of October 2021, TPMS has been made mandatory for all new passenger vehicles in India.
Comprehensive Insurance: Protecting Your Vehicle and Tyres
Comprehensive insurance coverage plays a vital role in safeguarding your vehicle and its components, including tyres, while driving on India's modernizing roads. In addition to the mandatory third-party liability insurance, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own vehicle caused by accidents, natural calamities, theft, or vandalism.
Tyre Protection Add-ons: An Extra Layer of Security
To further enhance the protection offered by comprehensive insurance, many insurers now provide tyre protection add-ons. These add-ons offer additional coverage specifically for tyres, ensuring that you are financially protected against the costs associated with tyre damage and replacement.
Key benefits of tyre protection add-ons include:
Coverage for tyre replacement costs: In case of irreparable damage to your tyres due to road hazards, punctures, or bursts, the add-on covers the cost of replacing the affected tyre(s).
No depreciation: Unlike regular comprehensive insurance, where the claim amount is subject to depreciation based on the age of the tyres, tyre protection add-ons offer coverage without considering depreciation.
Checklist for Drivers: Ensuring Tyre Health, Safe Driving, and Comprehensive Protection
To help drivers navigate India's modernizing roads safely and protect their vehicles, here is a checklist of essential practices:
Conclusion:
India's modernizing road infrastructure, marked by the increasing prevalence of cement roads, presents both opportunities and challenges for drivers. By prioritizing tyre health, adopting technological advancements like nitrogen inflation and TPMS, following safe driving practices, and securing comprehensive insurance with tyre protection add-ons, drivers can navigate these roads with greater safety, confidence, and financial security. As India continues to invest in world-class highways, it is the collective responsibility of drivers to adapt and contribute to a safer driving environment for all. Remember, a proactive approach to tyre maintenance, safe driving, and comprehensive insurance with tyre protection add-ons is key to enjoying a seamless and worry-free driving experience on India's modernizing roads.
About Author
Manish Nachnani is the Head of Customer Experience and Excellence at Zuno General Insurance. Manish works at intersection of technology, operations, and customer service. With over 19 years of experience Manish is passionate about improving customer experience for insurance customers in India.