Survey results: Driving behaviour during monsoons

A survey conducted by ICICI Lombard gave some interesting insights into the driving habits of Indian car owners during the monsoon season. Over 1,000 respondents from four metropolis, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata took part in this survey, with majority of them being in the age group of 22-35 years.

The survey also tested the knowledge of motorist about the perils of driving in monsoons season. 26% of the respondents were aware of damages caused to engine due to entry of water while driving through clogged roads.

Despite being aware of possible consequences, 72% admitted to have driven in water clogged areas. Result? 34% of them had to deal with a stalled car.

To even greater surprise, 64% respondents tried to restart the vehicle by pushing with help from passer-bys while 58% respondents admitted to crank the engine for restarting the vehicle, with the vehicle still being partly submerged in water.

The limited awareness of motorists goes as far as what’s covered and what’s not covered in a motor insurance. Only 35% of the respondents were aware that motor insurance does not cover damage to engine if the vehicle is driven through water clogged areas.

Even fewer (mere 7%) were aware of ‘Hydrostatic lock’, wherein wherein water enters the engine due to driving in flooded waters or by cranking the engine in submerged water, leading to stalling of the vehicle.