Nothing, means nothing in this world is over or above the life of a living being!
Here are some data figures on road safety failures every year in India and worldwide:
- India: In 2019, there were 151,113 road traffic fatalities in India, making it the country with the worst road safety record in the world. This is equivalent to 400 deaths per day, or one death every 4 minutes.
- Worldwide: In 2019, there were 1.35 million road traffic fatalities worldwide. This is equivalent to 3,700 deaths per day, or one death every 24 seconds.
The main causes of road fatalities
- Speeding: Speeding is a major factor in road traffic fatalities. In India, speeding was a factor in 31% of road traffic fatalities in 2019.
- Drinking and driving: Drinking and driving is another major factor in road traffic fatalities. In India, drinking and driving was a factor in 15% of road traffic fatalities in 2019.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a growing problem that is contributing to an increasing number of road traffic fatalities. In India, distracted driving was a factor in 10% of road traffic fatalities in 2019.
What can be done to improve road safety?
- Enforcing speed limits: Speed limits should be strictly enforced to reduce the number of speeding-related accidents.
- Cracking down on drinking and driving: Drinking and driving should be cracked down on to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents.
- Educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving: Drivers should be educated about the dangers of distracted driving and how to avoid it.
- Improving road infrastructure: Road infrastructure should be improved to make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.
- Making vehicles safer: Vehicles should be made safer to reduce the severity of accidents when they do occur.
By taking these steps, we can make our roads safer and save lives.
How an individual can contribute to Road Safety?
- Obey traffic laws. This includes following the speed limit, stopping at stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians.
- Wear a seatbelt. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in a car accident. Encourage others as well to put on seat belt while you are driving. Seatbelts really saves life.
- Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet when driving two wheeler, It saves the crucial part of the body i.e. head and thus high chances of life saving. also encourage the pillion rider to wear helmet. It becomes very important specially while riding two wheelers as you are riding in a fully open environment unlike car, and susceptible to more damage.
- Don’t text and drive. Using smartphones while driving is equally lethal and illegal. There are high chances of accidents because you get distracted. Always remember, eyes on the road, while driving. No compromise with that.
- Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time, making it much more likely that you will get into an accident.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Don’t be distracted by your phone or other activities.
- Drive defensively. Assume that other drivers are not paying attention and that they may make mistakes. Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
- Get regular maintenance on your car. This includes checking the oil, tires, and brakes. Make sure your car is in good condition before you drive it.
- Be prepared for bad weather. Slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you when driving in rain, snow, or ice.
- Don’t tailgate. Leave at least two seconds of space between you and the car in front of you. This will give you time to stop if they have to stop suddenly.
- Be patient. Don’t get angry or frustrated with other drivers. This will only make you more likely to make a mistake.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Planning for a trip? Keep these things in Mind
- Make sure your car is equipped with the latest safety features. This includes airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
- Take a defensive driving course. This will teach you how to avoid accidents and how to react in the event of an accident. A quick walk-through on this, even for experienced drivers, is not bad at all.
- Be aware of the dangers of distracted driving. This includes talking on the phone, texting, eating, and using a navigation device.
- Get enough sleep before you drive. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- If you are feeling tired, pull over and take a break. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Most Common Search Keywords on this topic: Distracted driving, Speeding, Drunk driving, Seatbelts, Child Safety Seats, Pedestrian Safety, Bicycle Safety, Motorcycle Safety
If you are a newbie behind the wheel on the road, Checkout our other blogs in the beginner zone category.
