Today’s roads are congested with cars, lorries, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles. Road accidents happen on a daily basis, causing injury and even death. In fact, thousands of people are killed or injured on our country’s roads each year, and the situation shows no signs of improving. As a result, it is up to us to drive safely and reduce our chances of being involved in an accident.
Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Faulty vehicles, brake failure, poor roads, and a lack of knowledge of traffic rules all play a role in the accidents. The attitude of road users, on the other hand, is the most obvious cause of accidents. Many road users believe that “accidents only happen to other people, not to me.” As a result, if a person is involved in an accident, he may wonder, “Why did this happen to me?” It makes no difference why an accident occurs to anyone. The thing is, it could happen to anyone.
Road safety has always been and will continue to be a top priority in the transportation industry. Commercial vehicles are involved in less than 3% of road accidents, with human error accounting for the other 85%. Three-quarters of these are caused by other road users, implying that professional drivers’ human errors account for less than 1% of all accidents. With only 0.02 fatalities per million vehicle kilometers traveled, busses and coaches are the safest modes of passenger transportation.
Pedestrians crossing the street must exercise extreme caution to avoid colliding with a passing vehicle. It is always safer to cross a road via an overhead bridge or pedestrian crossing, preferably one controlled by lights. Even so, it is always a good idea to double-check that it is safe to cross even when the lights are green for pedestrians because some drivers will not stop even when the lights are red for them. If there are no pedestrian crossings, the crossing must be done with extreme caution. Before crossing, always make sure the coast is clear.
It is safer to walk by the side of the road facing oncoming traffic so that one can see the vehicles on the road. When necessary, one can take evasive action. If one walks with one’s back to oncoming traffic, one may be unaware of any danger until it’s too late.
Riding a bicycle is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. First and foremost, the bicycle is small. and many drivers simply do not notice it. Furthermore, some drivers who are unconcerned about cyclists will never yield to them. A cyclist relies on his legs to propel his bicycle, and his legs simply lack the power of gasoline-powered engines. So, in tight situations, cyclists are not able to get out as quickly as required and thus are at the mercy of other road users. We can see from this that few people use bicycles nowadays. It is just too dangerous.
The motorcycle is a superior mode of transportation to the bicycle. It has the strength and maneuverability to get out of tight spots. However, caution must be exercised when operating the motorcycle. A motorcyclist, like a cyclist, is virtually unprotected, and even a minor accident is likely to result in serious bodily injury. It is always safer to ride cautiously and in accordance with traffic laws. Of course, there are many young daredevils on motorcycles who ride recklessly and frequently end up as accident statistics.
Whatever mode of transportation we use on the roads, whether cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or simply walking, it is always a good idea to be aware of what we are doing. We should be well-versed in traffic regulations. Furthermore, we should always be aware of the situations around us and be prepared to take evasive action when necessary. We must frequently use the roads defensively, that is, we must not insist on our right of way even when an inconsiderate driver is breaking the rules. It is preferable to be safe rather than to be involved in an accident.
Finally, showing off on the road or racing with someone else is never a good idea. The roads are intended for transportation, not for display or racing. Such irresponsible behavior is bound to have unfavorable or tragic consequences. Nobody enjoys mishaps. So, drive carefully and avoid accidents.
