The revolutionary invention of the wheel has given rise to modern technologies from transport to machinery; it is one of the most fundamental inventions we use in daily life. We travel on roads almost every day – to school, college, office, shops and to visit relatives and friends – so we need to be safe on the roads. Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured.
Slogan: Safe driving, Saves lives, Drive fine, Avoid fine.
1. Need for Safety on Roads
- It is a saddening fact that India is the world's largest contributor to road accidents.
- India accounts for about 10% of road accident fatalities worldwide.
- Road crashes have a threatening impact on Indian lives, growth and economy.
- Violation of road rules and regulations causes road crashes and has a threatening impact on a country's growth and economy.
2. Causes for Road Accidents
| Cause | What the chapter says |
|---|---|
| Distracted driving | A larger threat and the leading cause of road accidents. The driver engages in any other activity while driving – talking over the mobile phone, texting, or any activity that diverts attention from driving. |
| Reckless driving | A major traffic violation of rules; defined as the mental state in which the driver purposely disregards the rules of the road. |
| Night driving | Needs extra alertness. Uncontrolled sleep, tiredness due to long drive and poor lighting on the road can cause fatal accidents. |
| Tailgating | Driving behind another vehicle without leaving sufficient distance; if the vehicle in front stops suddenly, the vehicle behind will crash with it. |
| Heavy traffic | Increase of vehicles on the road creates heavy traffic jams and causes more pollution. |
| Road conditions | Road expansion is very slow when compared to the expansion of vehicles. |
| Avoidance of safety gears | Not using helmets for two wheelers and seat belts for four wheelers leads to unwanted happenings. |
| Impatience of pedestrians | Impatience of pedestrians and violation of traffic rules result in accidents. |
| Other causes | Drunken driving, jumping the red light, over speeding and unmanned railway crossings cause great damage to valuable lives; many families lose their breadwinners. |