Accidents have been occurring frequently at an alarming rate. This has been a main concern. It has been noticed that accidents occur mainly due to negligence or carelessness of the drivers. It has been a habit of some people whilst driving it is mandatory to overtake a vehicle even if that vehicle is going at a normal maximum speed limit of the road.
This results in recklessness and sometimes a head on collision of the vehicle coming from opposite direction can happen. Always slow down a bit if a vehicle is trying to overtake you and let the vehicle pass. In a sharp U turn or bend always change your vehicle to a lower gear or slow down so that the vehicle or motorbike is under control and does not go off the road
Patience must be cultivated in the minds of the drivers.
Blind spots are always important to be taken into consideration while driving. Blind spots are the spots where the other vehicle or pedestrians or cyclist or motorbikes coming from opposite directions are not visible. Blind spots are usually at curves or bends. Never overtake at junctions or bends as it can be dangerous specially long buses or trucks as the backside of the vehicle can hit your vehicle.
Always keep a distance from the vehicle while driving as you get a reaction time to respond if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or brakes suddenly.
Always make the driver of the other vehicle aware when you are trying to overtake a vehicle by blowing a slight horn.
Also give proper signals of side lights if you are turning left or right.
Anticipating a hazard is also important by keeping your eyes and mind open on what the other driver might do or of the animals on the roads specially cattle and stray dogs.
Pedestrians and cyclists must always be given a preference and always keep a distance from them. Overtake them only when you feel safe.
Children also are to be taken care of as they are innocent and don’t have the capacity to sometimes understand the pros and cons of the dangers of the roads. Schools and parents must impart some knowledge to children about the traffic rules.
Please try to slow down or stop at zebra crossing so that pedestrians can cross the roads. Be patient with old aged people or handicapped pedestrians while they are crossing.
Speed breakers are installed to slow down your vehicle.
Following the rules of the roads is very essential. Keep your eyes open for the Traffic signs. Drive safely near schools. Ambulances should be always allowed to overtake you as this may save a precious life. Don’t ever cross the road from a backside of a parked vehicle as this may block the view of the oncoming vehicle and you suddenly coming in front may cause fatal accidents. Cross, keeping a distance from parked vehicle only after safely taking a glance at the road to see if any vehicle is approaching.
Make it a habit of wearing Helmets or Seat belts while driving.
Use of mobile phones must be avoided as your concentration is diverted resulting in accidents.
Alcohol consumption and driving is a big NO.
Driving on long journeys, always take a good rest or sleep before starting. Stop if you feel drowsy or sleepy. Take an extra driver so that you always switch places while driving.
It is the duty of the government or concerned authority to see that all roads are repaired properly and no pot holes are there as so many accidents happen with drivers avoiding potholes or losing control.
Cyclists and motorcyclists must wear fluorescent or bright clothes while driving at night.
Regular checkup of the vehicles specially brakes and tyres are very very important.
Remember it is “BETTER TO REACH LATE THAN NEVER” DRIVE SAFELY FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS”.
By Domnic Cardozo(Ward 7)