Beating the summer 250 years ago

Till now, these companies have been content with putting up some hoardings against drunken driving, and giving a marginal premium rebate to members of recognised automobile associations. Surely, there is scope for them to do much more in this field. A few measures that suggest themselves are mentioned here.

Insurance companies should operate a scheme under which drivers who pass the test of advanced driving are given substantial rebate in premium, as much as 20 per cent. The Institute of Advanced Motoring in the U. K. can serve as a model. This voluntary non-profit-earning institute, founded in 1956, has evaluated the driving standards of thousands who present themselves for its advanced tests at various conveniently located centres. The test fee is currently 25 pounds. Individuals who pass get a significant rebate in their car insurance premiums. Studies have revealed that those who passed have a 25 per cent better accident record on an average.

Perhaps it would be better if our public sector insurance companies came together to set up such an institute of their own. It can gradually develop facilities for testing at various State capitals. Individuals passing the test (a non-refundable entry fee for the test) can enjoy a substantial rebate in auto premium. And successful ones would be required to undergo a repeat test every 10 years. The entry fee will discourage frivolous applicants as well as meet a part of the test costs. The U. K. Institute has drawn up a manual for advanced motoring. Our proposed institute can adopt it, with modifications appropriate to indigenous
conditions.

The scheme should prove an eminently practical step in raising driving standards throughout the country. The Certificate of Advanced Driving, if it begins to gain high credibility, will not only be attractive for its monetary benefits but also as a prestige symbol when displayed through a sticker—people take pride in being recognised as good drivers. Running one or more such institutes will yield valuable information to insurance companies about various aspects of road safety.

Another interesting idea is to offer cheaper insurance to motorists who pass an eye test (including a test of night blindness) conducted by the insurance companies. It is common knowledge that many of our licensed drivers—and that includes professional drivers of buses, trucks, taxis and autorickshaws—suffer from eyesight deficiencies and are thus prone to road accidents. Night blindness, known as low-luminance myopia, is estimated to afflict some 30 to 40 per cent of our drivers. This condition, however, remains undetected in our usual eyesight tests for drivers. No wonder the death rate on roads is three to four times higher during darkness than in daylight. Now a simple test for the condition has been devised. Even corrective lenses can now be prescribed with an anti-reflection, zirconium coating. All in all, a proper eye test pays dividends.