The
invention of auto-Mobile/Motor Vehicle like many other technological inventions
of man has been both a blessing and a curse. It has increased man mobility on
land a thousand fold just as it takes a thousand fold of lives every year
through accidents.
Traffic/Automobile/Vehicle
accidents are accidents that occur on the road, seas, or in the air but, the
most common are road accidents.
Road
traffic injuries are among the leading causes of death in the world. Traffic
accidents are accidents that involve vehicles with human beings on the road.
These types of accidents occur quite often on our major roads leaving behind
great fatalities like permanent disabilities, amputation and death.
The
implication of this is that vehicle or motorcycle accidents have caused misery
and untimely death to its victims.
Most
traffic accidents may not occur if due diligence is paid to vehicle
maintenance, avoid the use of alcohol or other drugs while driving, not driving
during bad weather, obeying driving rules and regulations and being a defensive
driver (i.e. driving well and be proactive in keeping the margin of safety away
from other drivers or always think ahead and responding appropriately to the
bad driving behavior of others drivers.
Also read: Causes and Prevention of Traffic/Auto-Mobile/Vehicle Accidents
Causes of Traffic/Auto-Mobile/Vehicle Accidents
The
causes of traffic accidents are very many some of them are:
1.
Collision with pedestrians and other vehicle(s).
2.
Collision with railway train at a railway crossing.
3.
Collision with objects, trees, buildings or animals.
4.
Self or lone accidents caused by mechanical failures.
5.
Poor judgment and reaction time.
Human factors that causes Traffic/Auto-Mobile/Vehicle Accidents are:
i.
Over speeding above speed regulations.
ii.
Fatigue or tiredness.
iii.
Drunkenness.
iv.
Ignorance of traffic laws.
v.
Neglect of road signs, symbols and warnings.
vi.
Emotional disturbance or instability.
vii.
Wrong or bad parking.
Mechanical/Structural factors causes of Traffic/Auto-Mobile/Vehicle Accidents are:
i.
Punctured tyres at high speed.
ii.
Break failures.
iii.
Poor state or condition of the vehicles involved.
iv.
Non-functioning wipers during the rainy season.
v.
Poor rear lights for adequate caution.
vi.
Faulty engine, among others.
Other causes of traffic accidents are:
1.
Bad roads and poor maintenance of existing ones.
2.
Issuing of driver's license to unqualified people.
3.
Using a hand-held or hands-free devices while driving.
4.
Poor enforcement of speed limits.
5.
Poor education on safe driving practices e.g. wearing of safety belts by both
the driver and the passengers, wearing of crash helmets and proper apparel when
riding on a motorcycle.
6.
Drinking of alcohol and/or use of drugs when driving especially the commercial
drivers.
7.
Age (either too young or too old).
Prevention of Traffic/Auto-Mobile/Vehicle Accidents
To
prevent traffic/Auto-mobile/vehicle accidents, the following measures are
essential:
1.
Safety education to the drivers and
other road users
2.
Prevent sleepiness while driving by
taking regular rest (break for at least 15 minutes every two hours).
3.
If you need to drive, do not drink
alcohol. Avoid driving when under the influence of medicines.
4.
Do not drive under the influence of
drugs.
5.
Both the driver and all the passengers
should use appropriate seat belts or child restraints.
6.
Watch speed/speedometer when driving.
7.
Ensure road worthiness of vehicle all
the time.
8.
Road signs should be well made with
reflective materials and be Good road maintenance culture should be maintained.
9.
Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle
in front of you.
10.
Avoid arguments, conversations or
distractions while driving.
11.
Do not use hands-free or hand-held
mobile phones while driving.
12.
Broken-down vehicles should be moved off the road if possible.
13.
Speed limiter should be installed in all
vehicles.
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