ROAD SAFETY Safety on our roads is becoming a major concern going by the rate of fatalities incurred on them. Scores are left maimed or even killed in road accidents. All types of road users are prone to this safety risk but the most vulnerable are pedestrians and the two-wheeler cyclists than the motor vehicle occupants because they bear the greatest burden of injury that leaves them scathed for life. Most of these traffic accidents are caused by human error where many pay a price as a consequence of inexperience, speeding, intoxication and just plain recklessness from rogue drivers. There is no doubt that the following activities have preventable measures that would normally result to decrease in traffic causality densities and can be initiated through various basic approaches and efficient institutions. Education and training of children as early as they are still schooling with an instructor and school teachers, while adolescents and the old undergo refresher courses to instil the principle of safe road use and traffic laws is vital. There should be an initiation of civic education using the media and other publicity avenues to draw attention of all road users of both the dangers and safe practices on the road. Enforcement of rules and regulations by adopting reasonable and enforceable traffic laws which are best designed to prevent accidents, concentrate the time and energy of traffic officers on locations (black spots), the offences together with a subsequent dire punishment and the times that they feature frequently and thoroughly testing new drivers before issuing a licence to ensure they are qualified and will not be liable to cause accidents. Expert engineering of vehicles and roads is paramount. The vehicles must be regularly serviced, inspected and fitted with designed safety equipments such as authentic seat belts. The roads should be realigned to improve vision by reducing sharp bends, resurfacing potholes and slippery surfaces and installing traffic signals, road markings e.g. zebra crossing and regulatory signs that warn and assist road-users avoid danger and confusion from the point of departure to their destination. Accidents are inevitable to all road users after all has been said and done. A good pre-hospital care education and emergency system procedures (first aid) are important in case of an eventuality. This is to shorten the crucial time between the occurrence of an accident to the arrival of rescue teams or at a health facility, thereby reducing the risk of fatal or serious aggravation of the injuries or even loss of life. And may almighty God grant us journey mercies whenever we are on the roads travelling. (Written by Sam)
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 08:11:55 +0000
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