
Road accidents happen to drivers no matter how new they are or how long they have been driving, this is why we will be considering “Solutions Of Road Accident“.
Every week, a lot of people are seriously hurt in accidents involving people who were driving, riding, or otherwise using the road. People are unable to work as a result of accidents, which leads to an increase in poverty and pain for the victims and those who love them.
Although there are different reasons accidents occur, the PSNI’s statistics show that human behavior accounts for 51% of all collisions.
Human Factors That Contribute To Road Accidents
Here are some human behaviours that should be noted to contribute in avoiding road accidents
- Paying attention. If you’re in an unfamiliar territory, err on the side of caution and slow down, check your rearview and side mirrors, and slow down on roads with sharp turns.
- Traffic light dodgers should be avoided. Always look both ways when approaching a green light. A lot of accidents happen at traffic lights when drivers think they could make the light so they continue to drive through an amber or, even worse, a red light. Those amber-gamblers may endanger not only your life but that of other road users too.
- Look out for children. If you’re driving in a populated area or near a school, always pay full attention to your surroundings because younger children don’t have the maturity to be safe on the road as older kids do. Be prepared for any and all scenarios by driving slowly in areas with street lights and looking out for children who might emerge from behind parked cars or in front of school buses.
- Take care of your car to help it take care of you. It is essential to keep your vehicle in good condition. Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first for you, have your car serviced. Once every six months, you should have your mechanic check your brakes. Check your engine oil on a regular basis and check your digital dashboard, if you have one, for any problems to avoid abrupt stops on the road. Air your car tires on a regular basis, at least once every three weeks, and before every trip that is longer than usual. Rain and dirt are sprayed on our vehicle; Keep your mirrors and windscreen clean as well. Maintaining a constant supply of windscreen washer and regularly replacing your wipers at least every six months, is recommended as this will ensure you don’t experience any visual hindrances while driving.
- There is no justification for not wearing a seatbelt. Anything can happen at anytime but our safety and that of others should be prioritized over convenience as the case may be. Not only is it the law to wear a seatbelt at all times in a vehicle, but it only takes a few seconds to do so.
- Avoid speeding. When you drive too fast, you have less time to react to a situation and are more likely to be in a collision which could result in death. Always err on the side of caution by adhering to the speed limits that are posted on every road, taking into consideration factors such as bad weather, freezing temperatures, and the volume of traffic.
- Make good use of the indicators you have. Make it a habit of indicating your next turn even if you don’t think anyone is in front of or behind your vehicle. If on a highway, indicate when you want to change lanes several seconds before you do so to give other drivers time to get ready.
- Many people claim to drive on autopilot, but this is not ideal for preventing collisions.
- Driving while drunk should be highly prohibited and taken seriously by traffic officers. It is common knowledge that drinking impairs one’s ability to concentrate and function normally. When driving a vehicle, this is extremely risky. Always use a designated driver or a ride service if you go out drinking.
- Driving while tired or sleepy should be avoided. The majority of car accidents brought on by sleepy driving occur at night. Don’t fight the urge to sleep at the wheel if you find yourself doing so frequently. Pull over in a secure location and take a power nap.
- Reckless driving should be avoided. If you drive recklessly, you run the risk of getting into an unnecessary car accident. Reckless drivers who speed or change lanes too quickly forget to use rear turning signals, or tailgate, frequently experience this. In traffic, reckless drivers frequently become impatient. Be extra caution around aggressive drivers.
- Rainy weather can contribute to car accidents. No matter where you live, rain is one of the most common causes of accidents so one needs to be careful. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles frequently spin out of control or skid when braking as a result of rain’s slippery and hazardous surface. When it rains, drive with extra caution to avoid an accident.
- While driving during the day can be risky, driving at night can double your risk of an accident. As you drive toward something you can’t see, you don’t know what to expect. Your alertness of the road and cars around you must increase.
- Drivers are guided by the stop lights, turn signals, and lanes that are designated for moving either right or left rather than straight. Car accidents frequently occur when drivers fail to follow these instructions. Before turning, always look for signs and follow the right-of-way to avoid a clash.
- A lot of drivers are impatient which can cause them to drive too close to another car and not be able to react quickly if the car in front of them suddenly brakes. For every 10 mph you drive, you should always allow one car length between you and the car in front of you. When a driver dangerously tailgates another driver at high speeds and is unable to stop in time when the rear lights come on, many fatal car accidents could occur.
- Every driver has gotten mad at another driver for one reason or another. It could be because the other driver didn’t use their signal lever, was going too slowly in the fast lane, or pulled out in front of them. Some drivers act foolishly when their rage takes over. Be cautious and control your rage. The best thing to do when you encounter such is to move away from them and not acknowledge their actions.
- Potholes can be very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage if you are not careful. When driving over these potholes, drivers run the risk of losing control of their vehicle or blowing a tire. Make sure you don’t drive over a pothole if you see one in the path of your car to avoid an accident.
- Some highways are littered with tire debris. Not only can blowing a tire hurt you and your vehicle, but it can also hurt people around you. Before driving, check that your tires have the right PSI for your vehicle and that the hubcaps and bolts are secure. If your tire blows out, try to keep control of your vehicle and safely stop.
- Animals do not know what the rules are, so they’ll cross wherever they want. When driving through rural, wooded areas, use your high beams and drive with caution if you spot an animal crossing sign.
READ: Major Causes Of Road Traffic Accident
Solutions Of Road Accident
Here are other solutions of road accident:
- Teach children the difference between a footpath and a road. It is pertinent to begin with the fundamentals of road safety. Road safety is a broad topic and seminars alone are not sufficient to teach lessons. From preschool to college, make road safety education a subject in schools.
- There should be public awareness of the Highway Code which governs the use of public roads. Schools should teach road safety.
- Improvement of environment and state of the roads by putting restriction signs on the road surface;
- The condition of the vehicles should be checked and certified.
- Traffic congestion management
- Drivers’ speed and false confidence should be controlled.
- Drivers should be tested for excessive alcohol and drug use by traffic officers. Ministry of Transport should be authorized to regularly inspect and certify vehicles that are:
- Transportable
- Require maintenance or repair;
- Or “Out Of Service”.
- Establish nationwide centers for computerized theory and risk perception tests to put new drivers through a test before the Practical Test. After that, successful drivers receive certificates that enable them to take the road-based practical test. The database digitally records traffic violations against the driver’s Certificate or Permit Number.
- Add penalty points to the driver’s license record and introduce free and easy-to-access online information for employers to determine a driver’s legal ability to drive; the class of vehicles they can drive; and any disqualifications or penalty points. This method will prevent offenders from driving without a license; share a driver’s license or drive even after causing irresponsible death.
- Initiate the “Approved Driving Instructors Board” to meticulously examine and license driving instructors as any driver can now become an instructor, regardless of driving theory.
- Mobile Electronic Surveillance System (MESS) should be introduced as an alternative to the corruptible, traditional manpower-based enforcement method. This will increase the severity of the “express fine scheme” for traffic rule infractions and seize defaulters’ vehicles. People do not fear the law; rather, they fear fines and loss.
- Traffic officers should be well trained in order not to cause problems on the road and they must adhere to their work ethics especially when traffic lights are not functioning properly.
- Traffic lights must be replaced immediately when it becomes faulty to avoid misunderstanding amongst drivers on the road.
- Streets lights must be constantly checked to avoid sudden blackouts especially at night as this could cause accidents on the road.
READ: What Is Road Safety Audit (RSA)
In conclusion, solutions of road accidents are multifaceted involving various stakeholders, including government authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. Implementing and enforcing strict traffic regulations, improving road infrastructure, and promoting responsible driving behavior are essential components of the solution. Additionally, education and awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in informing the public about the risks and consequences of reckless driving. By fostering a culture of safety, investing in technology to enhance road safety measures, and encouraging community involvement, we can collectively work towards reducing road accidents and creating safer road environments for everyone. Ultimately, a combination of legislative measures, infrastructure enhancements, and behavioral changes is integral to achieving a significant and sustained reduction in road accidents.
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