Road safety refers to the various measures and methods utilized to avoid road traffic accidents from occurring. Typical road users involved in road traffic include motorists, cyclists, passengers, and pedestrians.
Road accidents can be either minor or fatal. While minor road accidents are usually the result of a person failing to yield or following too closely, a fatal accident may occur when a motorist is involved in a collision with another vehicle or object.
Despite the safety features of modern vehicles, accidents still occur every day because of unsafe or dangerous driving behaviors. While each state has its specific laws about road safety, it’s up to each driver to make sure they’re aware of the various laws that apply in their area. Many cities and towns also have their own bylaw regulating road use and safety. By understanding and participating in road safety efforts, drivers can help save countless lives every year.
There are several ways to improve road safety, such as:
- Follow Road Safety Best Practices
The basic idea behind road safety is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths as much as possible. Some countries have adopted stricter rules, while others still allow excessive speeding to decrease traffic problems. While the rules may vary from one location to another, there are road safety best practices that everyone can follow including:
- Adhering to traffic rules and road signs: Traffic signs and rules are implemented to make roads safer for everyone. They’re designed to lower the risks of a crash by slowing traffic, avoiding unsafe speeds, obeying traffic rules, yielding to other drivers, preventing irresponsible driving, and parking safely.
- Changing dangerous driving habits: These measures usually aim to minimize or deter certain behaviors that contribute to road dangers, such as driving while using or talking on a mobile phone, taking hazardous routes, and driving after consuming alcohol.
- Wear A Seatbelt
Always wear your seatbelt when driving, even when no one can see you or it doesn’t appear to be mandatory by signage. Your seatbelt will protect you against a massive amount of force when a car crashes. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t follow car seat laws, which increases the risk of serious injuries or deaths in the event of an accident.
Taking simple steps, such as replacing worn-out seatbelts, could save your life someday. If you have young children with you, make sure to place them in child safety seats, which are designed to protect them from injuries or death during a car crash.
- Invest In Regular Car Maintenance
The safest driver can get into a road mishap if their vehicle isn’t road-worthy. Your car’s performance can put your life at risk if it’s not maintained regularly. Investing in regular checkups and inspecting your vehicle before your drive-off can make a big difference.
These are the most important things to check in your car:
- Engine: Your car’s engine is the heart of your vehicle. If you experience engine trouble while driving, you can get involved in serious road mishaps.
- Brakes and tires: The tires are important because they’re the ones that are in contact with the road. In addition, your brakes should be checked regularly because you can get into a car crash if they fail.
- Battery: Your car’s batteries not only start the engine, but also power the lights that keep you visible during night driving or when there’s heavy rain or fog.
- Coolant, water, and oil levels: These substances keep your vehicle running smoothly so you can reach your destination without any problem.
- Be Prepared For Emergencies
Part of the responsibilities of a good driver is to have a contingency plan in case of emergencies. There are several things that you should keep in your car when traveling, such as spare tires, tire inflater and sealer, your car manual, insurance, and car repair information. In addition to these things, you should also prepare an emergency kit that includes emergency cash, spare clothes, a fully-charged power bank, and flashlights with extra batteries.
Takeaway
Road safety is a major concern for all people who drive, as well as their passengers and the pedestrians around them. A vehicle owner should regularly maintain their vehicle, be aware of surrounding road conditions, and have a plan in case of road emergencies. There are also several road safety rules that drivers must obey, including maintaining a proper distance from other vehicles, giving car safety signals, stopping at the side of the road, giving assistance to other road users, and maintaining a safe speed.
