ROAD SAFETY
Behavior on the road and the safe driving of motor vehicles are the key factors for our security. We are all participants in traffic in some way, as drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, or simply as pedestrians. That is why traffic safety depends on all of us a little bit.
But actually, the most important in traffic have drivers and their behavior on the road.
With the increase in traffic in the world, the number of car accidents has also increased.
An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury, damage, or in the worst case, death.
There are many causes of car accidents. However, some occur more often than others.
The most common causes of car accidents are:
1. Distracted driving
2. Drunk and drugged driving
3. Speeding
4. Running red and yellow lights and stop signs
5. Driving fatigued
Distracted driving, considering statistics is alarming, especially because distracted driving is almost completely preventable in the majority of situations.
Distracted driving leads to reduced reaction time, inability to keep a vehicle in lane, and catastrophic accidents resulting in serious injury and death.
We are all at risk every time a driver looks at a cellphone while is behind the wheel.
Not only talking over the cellphone while driving but texting messages is more dangerous. Studies have shown that texting messages during drive have 23 times higher danger than driving without any distraction. Texting while driving is riskier than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drunk and drugged driving unfortunately is very often.
Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can impair the ability to drive because they slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Cocaine and methamphetamine can make drivers more aggressive and reckless. The most common mistake of drivers who consume alcohol is that they think they will be able to drive.
Under the influence of alcohol, they cannot clearly understand that their driving can cause catastrophic consequences in one second.
Speeding is not just dangerous on highways, it’s especially dangerous on neighborhood roads, city streets, and other roads and it’s almost always evidence of negligence.
It is not just a matter of the behavior of the younger population, but a fast pace of life is imposed on us and we are all always at some speed. That, sometimes make us on speeding, without thinking that one minute over speed can cause very big damage, usually death. Because speeding usually causes a big crash with consequences of death.
Running red and yellow lights and stop signs
Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road. One thing that makes intersections with traffic lights so dangerous is that yellow lights precede red lights.
Also, some states treat yellow lights as the equivalent of a red, which is useful, because yellow light is for sure to slow your drive before you stop. But they think yellow lights mean, “Hurry up.” When they get the decision wrong, accidents can injure innocent people. A driver who misjudges when it’s safe to proceed through an intersection with a stop sign may be negligent, but so might local governments and road agencies that have an obligation to keep stop sign intersections free from visual obstacles that make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming and crossing traffic.
Driving fatigued
The average adult does not get the recommended hours of sleep every night. As such, they may be driving fatigued daily, especially during long morning and evening commutes. Drowsing driving is the cause of many car accidents. When a driver is fatigued, they can miss bicyclists or pedestrians on the road. They may run a red light or fail to notice a stop sign. They may even fall asleep at the wheel and drive into oncoming traffic.
To prevent possible car accidents:
1. Keep your distance.
Drive far enough behind the car in front of you so you can stop safely.
2. Drive strategically.
Avoid situations that could force you to suddenly use your brakes.
3. Don't get distracted.
4. Don't drive when drowsy or under the influence
5. Don't use your cellphone while driving
6. Don't drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs
Remember every time when you start driving, that most lives depends from you.
One second can mean all life.
Drive carefully and safely.
Nothing can return time.
Currently, IPO has presented a project on road safety which has been approved and published on the official website of Interreg Europe >>>>>>
To contribute together, for a safer community, for a safer tomorrow
By Sanela Nikolic, Police Officer, Crime Analyst
IPO Headquarters - Coordination Director
