ROAD ACCIDENT
ROAD ACCIDENT
In this age of fast communication it’s very important that we arrive safely as well. Travel by road provides a lot of flexibility , convenience , speed and reliability , particularly at short distances in cities and towns . But with the increasing population , the number of vehicles is also increasing and so is the pressure on the roads . However the civic and driving sense of the people is not developing at the same pace which is contributing to the rise in accidents death toll.
Accident Statistics : According to WHO , more than 1.2 million people die in road traffic crashes every year . As many as 50 million people are injured or disabled by road traffic crashes every year . The frequency of traffic collisions in India is amongst the highest in the world . A National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report revealed that every year , more than 135,000 traffic collision-related deaths occur here . Rural Development Minister , Mr. Gopinath Munde died in a road accident recently . He was on his way to the Delhi airport when the SX4 he was travelling in was rammed by a speeding Indica Car . Cause of accident ? Rash and negligent driving .
Current Issues to address :
- Poor maintenance of roads . Road network needs to be expanded
- The lack of road sense by the drivers and other users of the road. And they need to be lit properly.
- The multiplicity of authorities and utter lack of coordination between among them.
- Overloading of passengers and goods .
- Poor condition of the vehicles . Old, rickety, sub standard and pollution emanating vehicles are running on the road without any check.
- The pavements on both sides of the road are not free from encroachments . There are shops, dhabas etc.
CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS :
- Speed
- Drink-driving , drinking and driving increases both the risk of a crash and the likelihood that death or serious injury will result .
- Distracted driving
- Inability of some drivers to UNDERSTAND or Obey road signs.
- Poor lighting on the road.
- Bad weather conditions.
- Poor road conditions.
HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE ? If you’re a driver –
- Say no to DUI
- Stick to your lane even on empty roads.
- Do not overtake a vehicle that is already overtaking another vehicle.
- Focus your attention on the road ahead and not on the co-passengers /pillion rider.
- Avoid honking horn in the night.
- Have the habit of using dippers and indicators as appropriate .
- Wear a helmet if you are on a two wheeler
Wear seat belt at all times. If you are a passenger , Do not get in the vehicle unless there are enough seats for each person. Do not ride with a driver who has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs . Do not distract the driver. Keep your arms , legs and head inside the vehicle at all times. If the driver is speeding or driving dangerously, speak up !
Human life is precious . Let’s not forget that when we are on road .