Although in theory every driver knows the traffic rules and the steps for driving safely, many neglect them, and often this is what leads to accidents. The vast majority of traffic accidents come down to human error.
What causes road accidents
- Speeding: the faster you go, the greater the risk, and the less chance you have to brake, stop safely and save yourself. The vehicle skids and crashes, and people are injured or killed.
- Driving after drugs or alcohol: both make you drowsy, less aware and unable to concentrate, leading to fatal crashes. Never drink or take drugs before driving.
- Breaking traffic rules and signs, especially running red lights: drivers often run reds to finish the journey faster. It endangers their own life and others’, and is a leading cause of congestion and crashes.
- Not wearing safety equipment: the law requires seat belts in four-wheeled vehicles and helmets on two-wheelers. They reduce the consequences of a crash and help you survive; never drive without them.
- Distraction: the most dangerous is using a phone, which reduces concentration and control. Don’t call or answer while driving; if a call is important, pull over and talk at the roadside.
- Drowsiness: accidents happen when a tired driver nods off for a few seconds, loses awareness, and drifts out of the lane into a crash.
How to drive safely
- Concentrate only on driving, no multitasking. If you need to do something else, stop somewhere safe first. On long trips, rest and eat at a rest area every one to two hours.
- Keep your phone and other devices away while driving.
- Drive slowly and keep to the speed limit. Speeding leads to serious crashes.
- Stay alert to other vehicles, what drivers around you are doing, pedestrians, people crossing and animals. Be ready for the unexpected, and keep your distance — especially from vehicles speeding, overtaking or stopping suddenly.
- Get comfortable by adjusting the seat and mirrors, and keep what you’ll need (toll money and card, etc.) within easy reach.
- Always wear your seat belt, this includes the driver and all passengers. It holds your body so you don’t hit the interior or get thrown out.
- Stay alert, fit, drug-free, sober, awake and rested so you stay in control. Don’t carry on when drowsy, stop at a rest area.
- Obey all traffic rules and signs, especially when turning or changing lanes.
- Lock the doors and close the windows so you aren’t thrown out in a crash and are protected from outside threats.
- Check the traffic and weather for where you’re going, and decide whether to travel at all. Bad weather makes roads slippery, if you have nothing important to do, stay home.
- Keep a first-aid kit in the vehicle so you can help yourself and others in an emergency.
If an accident happens
- If something feels wrong with you or the vehicle, pull over. Switch on the hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 30–50 metres behind the vehicle, and don’t wander around it where other vehicles could hit you.
- If there’s a crash and you’re still conscious, stay calm. Call the police and medical help immediately, and try to get the contact and personal details of the other driver and any witnesses for testimony, liability and insurance. Keep your phone charged so you can reach the police, medical services and family in an emergency.
Train with Samson Tiara
Knowing how to respond to an emergency, including first aid, can save lives on the road. Samson Tiara’s Basic First Aid & CPR course builds exactly that skill. Read more about Basic First Aid.
