According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. 93% of the world’s fatalities involving road accidents occur in low- and middle-income countries. In this blog, we will learn about the causes of road accidents, their consequences, and how to avoid them.
Reason
A road accident is a traffic accident involving vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. People get injured or killed. Many reasons may contribute to a road accident.
Speeding: An increase in vehicle speed may result in an accident and increase the severity of the crash. According to statistics, just a 1% increase in mean speed produces a 4% increase in the fatal crash risk and a 3% increase in the serious crash risk. Besides, the death risk for pedestrians hit by car fronts rises rapidly.
Consumption of alcohol and drugs: The driver has to remain conscious while driving. Drug consumption tends to decrease consciousness, which may result in an accident. For example, the risk of a fatal crash occurring among those who have used amphetamines is about five times that of someone who hasn’t.
Not using helmets or seat belts: Motorcyclists should wear helmets all the time. Correct helmet use can lead to a 42% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69% reduction in the risk of head injuries. Besides, using seat belts can lessen the severity of an accident.
Distracted driving: The use of a mobile phone while driving can be very dangerous. While driving, drivers should refrain from mobile usage.
Unsafe vehicles: Unfit vehicles have a higher probability of facing accidents. Leguna and auto rickshaws are risky. These vehicles have poor visibility and braking issues. Nowadays, three-wheelers on the highway lead to fatal crashes. Face-to-face collisions between a three-wheeler and a bus have become commonplace. The main reason for this is their slow speed.
Lack of enforcement of traffic laws: To reduce fatalities and injuries from crashes, traffic laws on drink-driving, seat-belt wearing, speed limits, helmets, and child restraints should be properly enforced. Otherwise, an increase in road accidents could be seen.
The aftermath of a road accident
The effects of a road accident can be very dangerous. Accidents may have a lifelong effect on us. Effects can be classified into four types: physical, emotional, social, and economic. Victims may become physically impaired. Many times, it is seen that the only earning member of the family faces death. In these cases, the family of the deceased faces a severe economic and emotional crisis.
Prevention
There is a saying that, “prevention is better than cure.” There are different ways to reduce road accidents.
Drivers must develop the right driving attitude. Many teen auto accidents are a result of attitude and maturity, not skills or knowledge. Vehicles must carry limited passengers. Sometimes buses carry more people than their capacity, which may result in accidents. Only vehicles that have proper fitness should be driven. Vehicle fitness requirements include proper braking capacity, headlights, turn signals, good tires, and so on.
Also, pedestrians must follow some rules:
1/Walk on the sidewalks,
2/ crossing the street using a zebra crossing,
3/ Avoid using a mobile device while crossing the street.
4/ Comply with Govt. rules
Every day, many people are losing their loved ones because of road accidents. Our ignorance is a major contributor. Thus, we all should take a step forward in creating awareness and decreasing road accidents.
To read more blogs, click here
Writer
HRIDAM ROSHAN PAUL
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE