Road Safety Awareness
1. Introduction:
Do you agree that road safety is an important part of our daily life which may affect all of us whether we are drivers, bikers, passengers, cyclists and/or pedestrians?
The consequences of road accidents do not limit to physical injuries; they may extend beyond them and include social, economic, and emotional consequences. It is very difficult to imagine the pain of losing someone whom we love, witnessing injuries, and having an additional financial burden or experiencing financial hardships as a result of a road accident which could be devastating.
In order to reduce road accidents, collisions and serious injuries/fatalities, it is crucial to encourage road safety awareness.
We are aiming to provide knowledge, helpful full guidance and ideas to our readers that they might need to make wise decisions for staying safe on the roads. Moreover, they can disseminate the gained knowledge to others within their circle and society for greater benefits.
In this webpage through a series of blog posts, we will analyze the significance of road safety, the factors that contribute to crashes, and the steps we can take to make our journey and roads safer.
2. Road Traffic Accidents:
2.1.Worldwide Statistics:
According to WHO (World Health Organization), every year approximately 1.3 million people die as a result of road traffic crashes worldwide. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury.
This means 1 life is lost every 25 second
More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
2.2. Indian Statistics:
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways & NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), a total of 4,12,432 road accidents were recorded across India in 2021 which claimed 1,53,972 lives and caused injuries to 3,84,448 persons.
This means EVERY 4 MINUTE ONE LIFE IS LOST
During the previous year 2020, the country saw an unprecedented decrease in accidents, fatalities and injuries. This was due to the unusual outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant stringent nationwide lockdown particularly during March-April, 2020 followed by gradual unlocking and phasing out of the containment measures.
Major indicators related to accidents have performed better in 2021 when compared to 2019. Road accidents decreased by 8.1 per cent and injuries decreased by 14.8 per cent in 2021 compared to 2019. Fatalities, however, on accounts of road accidents increased by 1.9 per cent in 2021 corresponding to the same period in 2019.
3. Understanding the Risks:
It is important to understand the risks as road safety is a complex subject and there are many direct and contributing factors involved in a road accident. Some of the Risk Factors are:
3.1. Speeding:
Over-speeding is one of the major factors for a road accident. It is more likely that you’ll lose control of your vehicle thus having limited time to react to the rapidly changing road conditions.
3.2. Distracted Driving:
There are many types of distractions which are now becoming a leading cause of road collisions and fatalities. The most common is use of mobile phones by the driver while driving or by other road users on the road is a growing concern for road safety.
Distraction is not limited to the use of mobile phones only. Distraction can be inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle. In addition to the use of mobile phones the internal distractions can be eating, drinking, talking to passengers, using the navigation system, listening to music or watching the screen, etc.
The external distractions may be banners & billboards, and other road environment.
3.3. Impaired Driving:
Driving under the influence of alcohol and any psychoactive substance or drug increases the risk of a crash that results in death or serious injuries. These substances diminish the ability to react on time to emergency situations on the road.
3.4. Fatigue:
Paying attention is very important while driving and it’s very difficult to achieve if you are tired or fatigued. Fatigue driving is as dangerous as impaired driving because it slows down your reaction time and hinders your judgement.
3.5. Adverse Weather Conditions:
Road safety can be adversely affected by weather conditions. High winds can make it difficult to keep you in your lane, while heavy rain, snow, and ice may affect your visibility.
3.6. Non-use of Seatbelts, Child Restraints & Motorcycle Helmets:
Wearing seat belts while driving a vehicle may not prevent an accident, however, it will drastically reduce the consequences in case of an accident. This statement is also true for the use of child car seats or restraints.
Some study indicates that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death among drivers and front seat occupants by 45 – 50%, and the risk of death and serious injuries among rear seat occupants by 25%.
Similarly, the absence of the use of an appropriate helmet by the Two-wheeler riders and cyclist is one of the major contributing factor.
3.7. Unsafe Vehicles:
Safe vehicles are essential for preventing collisions and lowering the risk of serious injuries. Each country has different regulations which provide guidelines or mandatory requirements to have basic safety features in the vehicle and it varies from country to country e.g. seat belts, airbags, electronic stability control etc.
Without these basic standards, there is a significantly higher risk of traffic injuries, both to persons inside and outside of vehicles.
3.8. Unsafe Road Infrastructure:
Safe design of the road and associated infrastructure plays a vital role in reducing road accidents. The roads should be designed in such a way that it is safe for all road users which means making sure that there are adequate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
3.9. Inadequate Enforcement of Traffic Laws:
Formulating traffic laws are not good enough if it was not enforced and complied with. If traffic laws on wearing a seat belt, following the speed limit, use of helmets, child seat and restraints, and drinking & drive are not enforced then they cannot bring about the expected reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries related to specific behaviours.
3.10. Inadequate Post-crash Care:
Post-crash care is like a race against time thus it’s very important to have a system and infrastructure in place to provide it within the reasonable and lowest possible time. Delays in detecting and providing care for those involved in a road traffic crash increase the severity of injuries
4. How to Stay Safe on the Roads:
There are several steps which can be taken by drivers and/or road users to protect themselves and others on the roads. Those measures are given below but not limited to:
- Follow the Prescribed Speed Limit on the Road
- Avoid Impaired Driving The term impairment includes disability, drugs, alcohol consumption, medication, fatigue etc. Never drive the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Pay attention to the road and surroundings
- Do not drive if tired or having health issues. Take the help of others.
- Ensure the vehicle is fit for use and maintain it.
- Always wear a seat belt, helmet (for motorcyclists and cyclists)
- Adjust your driving behaviour as per the weather condition.
- Follow the traffic laws even when no one watching. Do it for your own safety and the safety of passengers not because of the fear of getting fined and penalties.
- Include the design safety aspects at the planning phase of the infrastructure (limited influence by the general public, this is for the policymakers and those involved in the development of infrastructure, which will be discussed in detail in the coming blog post)
- Good and prompt post-crash care (will be discussed in detail in the coming blog post)
As stated in the introduction, road safety is a comprehensive subject that requires a holistic approach in order to overcome the burden of limitless suffering from accidents and fatalities on the roads.
5. Future Blogs Topics:
The following topics will be covered under the umbrella of ‘Road Safety’ and will be published on this webpage in the coming days. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and will be waiting for your suggestion and comments to improve this list so that we can provide value to society.
- Distracted Driving and Why its a Growing Concern
- Safe Driving Habits / Defensive Driving
- Driver Education and Training
- Road Safety Education / Road Safety Campaigns
- Vehicle Safety Features
- Proper Vehicle Maintenance
- Road Markings and Signage
- Road Safety for Pedestrians
- Road Safety for Motorcyclists
- Road Safety for Cyclists
- Road Safety for Children
- Road Safety for Night Driving
- Road Safety for New Drivers
- Road Safety for Long Distance Drivers
- How Governments and Law Enforcement Play Role in Road Safety
- The Importance of Proper Road Design and Maintenance
- The Future of Road Safety / Road Safety Technology
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