Roads are one of the most crucial inventions of man. They minimise distance, but road accidents injure lakhs of people and result in loss of lives. Road safety is primarily meant to protect and provide security to all those who travel on roads. The problem does not lie with roads; it is our carelessness that results in such misfortune.
1. Importance of Road Safety
- Road accidents are undesired events that lead to injury or death.
- These deaths and injuries result in significant social and economic costs; the loss of life results in the loss of livelihood.
- Our traffic is a heterogeneous mix of slow-moving as well as high-speed vehicles, which is the cause for the problem.
- Direct consequences of accidents: Fatality (death), Injury and Property damage.
2. Reasons for Road Accidents
| Reason | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Over speeding | The higher the speed, the greater the risk. Most of the fatal accidents occur due to over speeding. Tailgating (driving too close behind a vehicle) is an illegal and dangerous habit. |
| Drunken driving | Alcohol reduces concentration and hampers vision due to dizziness. A random breath test is done to detect consumption of alcohol. |
| Distraction to drivers | The major distraction nowadays is talking on mobile phones while driving; it occupies a major portion of the brain's function. Others: daydreaming, adjusting mirrors while driving, stereo, animals on road, banners and billboards. |
| Red light jumping | The main motive is saving time. Studies show that signals followed properly by all drivers save time and commuters reach safely and on time. |
| Avoiding safety gears | Use of seat belts in four-wheelers and helmets for two-wheelers has been brought under law; they reduce the severity of injury. |