‘Accidents’ by definition are ‘mistakes’, but when they occur on the road, most times they are not.
This article, which is about road traffic accidents, is a reminder of our collective responsibility to keep our roads safe.
The first part of this article is a poem about a drunken driver, while the second, focuses on a few tips to help keep our roads safe. Tap on ‘the play button’ below, to see a rendition of the poem.
9 Lives on the Road
Ten green bottles fallen, like in the ode:
my lingering routine, like a debt owed
Same time staggering, lumbering, slowed,
unsure if I was two, or ten toed;
yet, I said: “one more for the road”
To and fro, abroad to abode,
always extra cans or bottles stowed,
‘cos no telling the need to reload
my motto, the bibulous code:
“A full nest means a clear road”
My reasoning appeared to erode,
unable to tell man, from toad;
that spirited state, that ‘high’ mode,
a state the sober cannot decode:
the way to live on the road
Impending doom, my mind did forebode
for in this state, I once rammed a node,
with casted limbs in sling, and skin sewed
Untold accidents later, I stayed unbowed,
I had nine lives on the road
Riding the nights, or laden with load,
partners in crime I’d taunt and goad;
hills, like horses the old knights rode,
none other, my skills bestowed
I was king of the road
On this day, it heavily snowed,
under the lights the ice sheets glowed
Close to where the path bowed,
I lost control, o! the blood flowed;
I’d claimed nine lives on the road
Background
Over 1 million people die every year from ‘Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs).
While the term “accident” means mistake, because it seems ‘abnormal’ that anyone would deliberately want to harm another, most accidents are avoidable.
In other words, accidents are not always mistakes, and if everyone is careful enough, there will be fewer accidents.
For clarity, in place of ‘Road Accident’, or ‘Road Traffic Accident’, many countries and organizations now use terms like:
- Road Traffic Incident
- Motor Vehicle Crashes
- Motor Vehicle Collision
- Traffic Collision
The most common causes of road accidents
Road accidents are usually due to one factor, or a combination of factors, involving the following:
- Driver(s)
- Vehicle(s)
- Pedestrian
- Road and environmental conditions
For example, “a drunken driver in a car without headlights hitting a pedestrian that is crossing the road under a pedestrian bridge on a dark, rainy day”.
Driver factor, as a cause of accidents
In most countries, there are provisions for drivers to obtain licenses as proof of proficiency to drive on the roads.
Before obtaining drivers’ licenses, prospective drivers attend ‘driving schools’, where they learn how to drive and interact with other road users, as well as how to identify common road signs.
Many drivers fail to attend driving schools, and as a result do not understand the importance of the guidelines put in place to ensure their safety, as well as that of other road users.
The driver is usually to blame, for the following, as regards road accidents:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and illicit drugs (learn more, here).
- Distractions, like texting, while driving.
- Failure to use protective equipment, like seat-belts and helmets.
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Disobeying traffic rules.
Vehicular factor, as a cause of accidents
Guidelines for vehicle manufacturers, ensures that safety features, like seat-belts, automatic braking system (ABS), and air-bags are put in place.
Some vehicles even have features like proximity sensors, tire pressure sensors, speed-limit notification, and so on.
Like all things artificial, these safety features fail, and serious accidents or injuries occur.
Pedestrians also contribute to road accidents
Pedestrians are also guilty, in many cases of road accidents; the following, are instances:
- A person texting or making a phone call, while crossing the road without being aware of an oncoming vehicle, causing the driver to swerve and collide with another vehicle.
- Running across a zebra crossing, when the pedestrian red light is on, therefore being run over by a motorcycle.
Other factors
Several factors also contribute to road accidents, for example:
- Roads with speed bumps at the wrong places
- Pot holes.
- Poorly lit roads, especially at night, or during unfavorable weather conditions.
- Unfriendly weather conditions, like heavy rainfall or snow.
- Roads with poor drainage, causing flooding.
- Unclear road signs.
- Driving while using some types of medications, for example, those that impair concentration, like diazepam.
- Ineffective law enforcement of traffic laws.
The list is endless, and several factors may come to play, to cause road accidents.
Conclusion
Accidents on the road are a major public health concern, and many cases are avoidable, if we try to be more road-responsible.
Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and other illicit drugs are amongst several factors that contribute to road accidents.
Keeping our roads safe, is everyone’s responsibility.
