Road Safety Tips: 4 Most Common Causes Of Accidents And Injuries
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Driving is a privilege that not many people in the world can enjoy. With this privilege comes responsibility, and as citizens of our communities, we must make sure to drive safely so that everyone on the road can go home safe and sound.
This blog post will discuss four common causes for accidents and injuries on the road and provide some safety tips that you can implement to keep yourself safe while driving.
Common Causes Of Accidents And Injuries
1. Driver Fatigue
Driving while getting drowsy can be extremely dangerous and is a leading cause of car crashes around the world. If you are tired, your reaction times and awareness of what is happening on the road will not be at their best level. To avoid such accidents, keep yourself well-rested by getting enough sleep before heading out for a long drive. Also, if you’re going in the dark, be sure to keep your eyes on the road and not on other distractions such as your mobile phone or any passengers with you.
2. Speeding
According to a WHO fact sheet, a rise in average speed directly correlates with the likelihood of a collision occurring and the severity of its consequences. A 1% increase in average speed results in a 4% increase in the fatal crash risk and a 33% increase in serious crash risk.
Speeding can also lead you to drive through risky intersections and not being able to stop in time for a red light or slow down because it is too late. To avoid these driving mistakes, drive at the posted speed limit on highways and always follow traffic signs and signals.
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving plays a major role in causing car accidents and injuries, and according to the National Safety Council, driving while distracted can double your chances of getting into an accident which can lead to serious injuries to you and other people on the road. To avoid being part of this statistic, try putting away or turning off all distractions such as mobile devices and talking to your passengers. If driving while being distracted is a common mistake that you make, consider changing driving routes or taking public transit instead of driving yourself.
4. Drunk Driving
Alcohol impairs your ability to react quickly and accurately in times of emergency. When it comes to driving under the influence, drinking alcohol can cause slower driving reactions and a decreased ability to maintain your lane of traffic. To avoid driving mistakes while under the influence, make sure that you do not drink any amount of alcohol before driving and if you are going out for drinks with friends or family members, have someone else drive instead.
As per a fact sheet released by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 29 people die every day in the US because of an alcohol-impaired driver, the annual cost of alcohol-related car accidents is estimated to be more than $44 billion.
Road Safety Tips
To avoid being involved in car accidents and injuries on the road, it’s essential to drive safely at all times when on the streets. Some tips for driving safely include driving the speed limit, staying well-rested before driving long distances, and avoiding distractions while driving.
In the next section of this blog post, we will talk about some safety tips to ensure you are driving safely on the road at all times.
Tips for Driving Yourself Safely
- Before starting your driving journey, make sure to map out your route and drive with the flow of traffic
- Avoid driving in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog
- Obey all road signs and signals
- Avoid driving after drinking alcohol or after consuming drugs
- Maintain the prescribed speed limits and avoid distractions while driving
Tips For Driving Others Safely
- Always check car seats before driving someone around (checking seat belts too) to ensure the passenger’s safety
- Limit driving with children in the car, and ensure that their seat belts are on before driving off anywhere
- Do not drive while fatigued to ensure you have enough energy for any emergency situation that may occur. If you feel tired or drowsy, consider taking a bus/taxi instead of driving yourself.
- Do not drive while being distracted by conversations or phone calls to avoid accidents and injuries on the road.
- Don’t drive after consuming alcohol or drugs
- Follow speed limits
If driving is your primary form of transportation, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers that driving poses. In this blog post, we have looked at four common causes for car accidents and injuries, as well as safety tips on how you can avoid them. To ensure that you are driving safely when behind the wheel, always follow speed limits and obey all traffic signs or signals while also making sure that your passengers are buckled up in their seat belts before going anywhere. Keep these driving precautions in mind to ensure your safety as well as the safety of people on the road.