Dear Sir / Madam,

Link-K Monthly Bulletin — June 2019

Insurance Regulator IRDAl’s proposal to increase third party (TP) motor insurance from 10 to 20% on different segment has come into effect. This is likely to hit auto sector badly as it is already reeling under impact of slow down and fuel hike, said experts, adding that the hike is being opposed by transporters’ association citing various reasons. Usually, third party motor insurance rates are declared from April 1 st of every financial year, but this year it was not in effect due to Lok Sabha elections, but now it has been implemented.

Drivers, who use mobile phones during driving, are likely to meet with accident four times more, as stated by World Health Organisation. Using mobile phones on roads poses a much higher risk for all road users. As per WHO, no conclusive evidences are there to show that hands-free devices are safer than hand-held phones indicating how distraction in any form increases manifold the chances of accidents.

Several studies across the globe suggest that drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while testing. This means a driver would cover a football field without looking at the road while driving at a speed of 80—90 kmph and texting. The WHO says the use of a mobile phone can impair the performance of several driving tasks, leading to longer reaction time detect and respond to unexpected driving related events, impaired ability to maintain correct lane position and lower braking reactions with more intensive braking and shorter distances.