Road safety is a critical issue that demands our immediate attention. A comprehensive report conducted by the World Health Organisation has revealed alarming statistics: approximately 1.3 million lives are lost each year due to road incidents, while nearly 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries. These staggering numbers underscore the urgent need for preventive measures, as a significant portion of crash-related injuries and fatalities are predictable and entirely avoidable.

Whether you find yourself driving alone or accompanied by passengers, prioritizing road safety should always be at the forefront of your mind. It is essential to recognize that no matter how experienced you are as a driver, periodically revisiting road safety tips can help reinforce good habits and further reduce the risk of accidents.

By following these road safety guidelines, you can play an active role in creating a safer environment for yourself, your loved ones, and others sharing the road.

Here is our guide to expert tips when it comes to practicing road safety.

Expert Tips for Road Safety

Never Drive Intoxicated

It is estimated that 32 percent of fatal car accidents involve at least one intoxicated driver or an intoxicated pedestrian.

Not only can you cause injury, death, and damage to yourself, if you hurt someone else due to a car accident caused by you being under the influence, but you can also be in enormous legal jeopardy.

Driving under the influence can result in a heavy fine, a loss of your license, and extensive prison time.

Aside from alcohol, you should never operate a vehicle if you have taken drugs or certain prescription medicines.

If you are planning on having alcoholic drinks on a night out or at a social event, make sure that your group has a designated driver or take a taxi.

It is important not to let your friends or people you know to drive after drinking as well.

If you suspect an intoxicated driver is on the road, keep your distance and inform the authorities as soon as possible.

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Driving when drowsy or tired is one of the main contributing causes of road accidents.

Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous as drivers can lose concentration for multiple short periods of time while driving, which can result in a fatal crash.

Additionally, various expert attorneys have reported that drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents among many drivers that they represent.

Typically, in legal cases where drivers were found to be exhausted or overly tired in traffic accidents, cases are negatively judged against the drivers.

Whether you are planning on taking a long-distance trip or even just doing your early morning commute, make sure that you are able to stay alert and fully concentrate during your drive (Sleep Foundation).

Plan A Safe Journey

As well as getting plenty of rest before long-distance driving, it is highly recommended that drivers make regular rest stops during their journey.

Rest stops give drivers the opportunity to recharge and rest in order to increase energy and concentration levels when they get back behind the wheel.

Rest stops can be as short as ten minutes but are necessary to stretch your legs and shake off the cobwebs.

Plan your trip schedule ahead of time and make sure that you are completely refreshed before driving again.

Follow Safe Speed Limit

Speeding means you have a shorter time to react to unexpected events. This leads to a  much higher chance of road accidents and crashes.

Recent studies have found that more than 50 percent of road crashes are linked to speeding and careless driving (GHSA).

Make sure that you plan your trip in advance to give yourself enough time and avoid unsafe speeding when driving.

Remember to consider external factors when planning your routes, such as heavy traffic and possible delays.

Avoid Distractions While Driving

In today’s world, there are so many distractions when driving, such as push notifications, loud music, and noisy passengers. The dangerous effects of distracted driving are obvious, so make sure that you keep your attention on the road at all times. Avoid multitasking, and in case you need to use your phone, pull over carefully.

 

Tips on How to Deal with Road Accidents

Here are some tips on how to deal with road accidents:

1. Ensure Safety: The safety of everyone involved should be your top priority. Move yourself and others involved to a safe location if possible, away from moving traffic. Turn on hazard lights and set up warning signs or cones if available.
2. Assess Injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call emergency services immediately for medical assistance. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless there is an immediate threat to their safety.
3. Call for Help: Dial the emergency services hotline (such as 911 in the United States) to report the accident and provide them with all the necessary information, including the location and number of people involved. Follow their instructions and cooperate with emergency personnel when they arrive.
4. Gather Information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other party involved in the accident. Record details such as the license plate number, driver’s license information, names, phone numbers, and insurance policy details. Additionally, gather contact information from any witnesses present.
5. Document the Scene: Take photos or make sketches of the accident scene, showing the positions of the vehicles involved, any damage sustained, and any contributing factors (such as skid marks or traffic signs). This visual evidence can be helpful during insurance claims and legal proceedings.
6. File an Accident Report: In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory to report accidents to the police. Even if it is not required, filing a report can be beneficial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Contact the nearest police station and provide them with accurate details about the incident.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information regarding the incident. Follow their instructions and procedures for filing a claim.
8. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t have any visible injuries, it’s important to get a medical evaluation after an accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment or advice.
9. Preserve Evidence: Keep all relevant documents related to the accident, including medical reports, police reports, insurance claim forms, and receipts for any expenses incurred as a result of the accident. This documentation will be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
10. Consult Legal Advice: If you’ve been involved in a severe accident resulting in significant injuries, property damage, or liability disputes, it may be wise to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.

Remember, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific road accident laws and regulations in your jurisdiction, as they may vary.