Road Accidents

What are Road Accidents?

Road accidents are otherwise known as traffic accidents on the road involving vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, animals, road debris, stationary obstructions like buildings, poles, bridges etc. which could result in injuries, disability, damage to equipment and property and death. 

Causes of Road Accidents:

The main cause of road accidents and car crashes are due to human errors and laxity on the part of road users; such as: 

1. Overspeeding: failure to keep to the speed limit. 

2. Drunken driving: makes you lose focus and concentration. 

3. Distractions to the driver: chatting with passengers; making phone calls etc. 

4. Failure to use safety gear like seat belts and helmets. 

5. Non-adherence to lane driving. 

6. Weather conditions: lack of visibility due to dense fog, sun glare or even windscreen design. 

• the road becomes slippery when rain falls; and difficult to see other vehicles
• unexpected floods on the road can cause accidents.

7. Poor/bad road conditions: potholes and ditches. 

8. Poor driving skills/carelessness in driving. 

9. Influence of drugs or alcohol which impairs vision and sense of judgement. 

10. Aggressive driving.

11. Poor condition of vehicles (i.e. maintenance of vehicle entails – good brakes, tyres, etc. a well-adjusted suspension is easily controllable in an emergency situation.)

12. Poor/bad road design and environment.

13. Disobedience to traffic rules.

14. Dangerous overtaking.

15. Sudden mechanical breakdown.

16. Lack of route signs.

Prevention of Road Accidents:

1.  Do not take alcohol or drugs before driving. 

2. Stay away from distractions – eating while driving, chatting with passengers, making calls etc. 

3. Paying attention with maximum concentration, on the road, your driving and with other road users. 

4. Do not be too confident; never assume to know the intentions of other drivers. 

5. The road conditions should be improved by the government, the surface of the road and lighting at night as well as putting signs at strategic points to warn drivers. 

6. To inculcate traffic safety morals and ethics among drivers through organising campaigns. 

7. Improving training in driving should be encouraged.  

8. The use of safety devices should be encouraged. 

9. Avoid being in a hurry or overspeeding.

10. There should be appropriate placement of route signs.

11. Unnecessary distractions should be avoided.

12. Driving under the influence of alcohol should be avoided. 

13. Ensure compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

14. Adequate rest when necessary should be encouraged.