This review is to share some tips on driving on highways in India. I have done a lot of long distance driving. longest being 1200(Bangalore to Mumbai on NH4).
Few tips:
First of all carry a good map book. You never know when its useful, espicially on new routes. the SH(Statehighways) and NH(National Highways) have lots of village and town names with KMs mentioned rather than the actual destinations where you intend to go.
On routes that you are going for the first time, make good use of the toll booths/nakas to enquire about the quality road ahead(espically state highways), when is the next tool booth,
For journeys that go across the full night, If at all you want to take a nap in the night, best and safe places to stop are the Tool booths where there is always an activity. Next preferences are the places where buses stops for dinners. these hotels are abuzz with activity and are safe places.
Do carry a good torch and extra batterries.
One more important things is to ensure that all mobile phones of all persons are fully charged. An extra mobile is always handy(ofcourse with battery charged)
Carry lots of water and best places to keep is under the seats as they donot occupy space and can be easily picked up.
If the car is not fully occupied a soft pillow is always handy for a short nap at the back seat.
If possible know if you have one extra member who know basic driving.Believe me this could be a life savor.
one more best practise is to reset the trip meter to start at zero for end to end KM travelled. You always end up travelling more KM’s that what you anticipate.
Its also a good practise to note the start timings and timings(time covered) at know points as a log book. Believe me, next time you travel on the same route you know exactly which sector has taken more time and where it tool long. You can also guide anyone who is travelling onthe same route.
When travelling by road, avoid telling everyone. Road travel is considered very risky in India, hence people are more anxious to know where you have reached which can be irritation at times.
The above are some of the things that I have gathered over experience in my last 5 years of road travel.
I will be very hapy if you all wonderful car enthusiasts can share more info around your travel experince and best practises.
harivikram