I just saw this thread.
I have had only one accident till date in my life.. I was in college.. I was taking a turn on a railway crossing and I tried to corner it like they do in Moto GP races. Well, I it was in 2009. I fell, luckily no harm was done since I always wear helmet. Always.
Since that time, I haven't had an accident ever.
I have driven in Nepal, Bali, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
I came from Bangalore to Allahabad on my RC 390 (link in signature) and I watched accident videos for more than a week, trying to fit in every scenario that can get me in an accident. I never take over a vehicle uncless I can see what's ahead. It's frustrating, but it's safe.
When I brought a car, I made sure I get one with 6 airbags. I always wear seatbelts , even if I am sitting behind. My wife was posted in Auraiya for an year, she works in a PSU bank as an officer. People used to laugh at me when ever used I put on a seatbelt in the car, even if it was for just going out for taking groceries.
Yes, always.
I even use low beam light when I given an indicator so that anyone coming from opposite lane can see that I am turning.
I have figured , that If we make use of both the rear view mirrors while on a bike or a scooty, we can remain attentive and avoid any mishaps.
In car, we have to be patient, which I was not at many times.
I once lowered my car window to throw expletives on a person who overtook me the wrong way, on my way to Etawah -Kanpur higway, and I had to brake on time in order to avoid getting the car on the road divider.
I now try my best not to get distracted ,and so far, it has been working well.
What to do? Here, when we drive, we not only have to be careful about our driving but we also have to anticipate the other vehicle's moves too.
People turn without giving an indicator... Free left? What's that? It doesnt exists in UP.
Once.. I was driving my car (i20) at around 110 kmph and a boy started running on the road to cross the road. He slipped midway on the road. I had a narrow escape. i20 does not have ABS but still I managed to stop the car.
Still, I figure that if we drive thinking that we are on the road to get us from point A to point B, and not because we have to overtake every vehicle, we can be safe.
My only concern is when I travel with my canine companion in the backseat of my car. I cant put a seatbelt on him and any sudden brakes make Mr Cooper get jerks. So I drive quite carefully.
Well, If there are any other pointers for road safety, kindly share.
Here is Mr. Cooper in the backseat.