ROAD accidents that caused deaths and multiple injuries have been happening as of late – an SUV ramming the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 and a passenger bus colliding with a number of vehicles along Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). These unfortunate events came as reminders of the lethal dangers on the road which is a consequence of negligence.
With that, the need for renewed emphasis of adherence to road safety measures became even more relevant. Whether one chooses to navigate city streets on foot or superhighways such as expressways, safety must always be prioritized for oneself and others.
Drivers’ Preparedness
The most basic tenets of road safety include a driver coming adequately prepared. This would include not only having a driver’s license to his name but also knowing that he is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to drive.
Most often, fatigue, high levels of stress, and even the use of drugs or alcohol severely disrupts a person’s judgment and reaction time, thus increasing the chances of an accident occurring.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance for a driver to first ensure he has had enough rest before embarking on a journey and with low levels of stress before driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Apart from that, regular eyesight tests and treatment for other medical conditions detrimental to being a driver must also be considered an essential part of driver preparation.
Vehicle maintenance
Just as personal fitness is important, so is car fitness to mitigate the risks of accidents on the roads. It is vital to carry out regular inspections or checks of your vehicle prior to driving.
A helpful mnemonic coined by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to remember essential vehicle checks is BLOWBAGET:
B – Brakes: They should work immediately and not spongy.
L – Lights: All headlights and taillights, brakes and signal lights must be checked.
O – Oil: Engine oil-level should be good.
W – Water: Coolants and windshield washer fluid needs to be checked.
B – Battery: Connections should be clean and secure.
A – Air (Tires): Tire pressure and its tread depth should be checked.
G – Gas: The gas should be sufficient for the journey.
E – Engine: Listen for any unusual sounds.
T – Tires: Check for damage, bulges, and make sure that they are correctly inflated.
Make sure to bring the vehicle to a regular preventive maintenance service (PMS) to check the condition of each car part and function, it is better to address car issues before they actually happen.
Adherence to traffic laws and regulations
It is also imperative to observe traffic laws and rules at all times. This includes following speed limits, complying to road signs and traffic signals, wearing of seat belts of all occupants, and staying away from distractions, especially through mobile devices.
Overspeeding is one of the main causes of an accident since it does not give a driver enough time to put on the brakes. At the same time, the impact of a speeding vehicle may increase the likelihood of injury and damages.
A driver who allows distractions like phone use while driving places their own life and the lives of others at risk. Thus, it is imperative to set aside mobile phones to ensure undivided attention on the road.
Defensive driving
Defensive driving techniques are also relevant to dealing with unpredictable road conditions and erratic behavior by drivers. Predicting potential threats, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, watching for hazards around and being prepared to react in a safe manner to anything unexpected that might come up suddenly is an absolute necessity.
Checking mirrors constantly, being aware of blind spots, and signifying one’s intentions clearly and in proper time are crucial components of defensive driving. In congested traffic like the ones found at the driving zones of SCTEX, having the instinct to be aware and hack a space out in front of you is literally a lifesaver.
Adjusting driving behavior to prevailing conditions
The ability to adjust to different driving conditions is another key to road safety. Driving in the rain, on foggy days, or at times with very limited visibility limits the speed of drivers; they must also be using their headlights and increasing their following distance.
It is tricky to drive on slippery roads, so one must be careful when accelerating or braking to avoid skidding and losing control of the vehicle. By being aware of weather forecasts and road conditions prior to and during a journey, drivers can then reasonably assess the situation and adjust their driving accordingly.
Safety for pedestrians and passengers
Traffic safety is not just the sole responsibility of the drivers. The pedestrians also play an important role in their safety.
They should always walk on the crosswalks, respect traffic signals, and avoid jaywalking. While walking on streets without sidewalks, pedestrians should face the incoming traffic.
Passengers, on the other hand, should avoid distracting the driver, and seat belt use is mandatory as it saves lives and minimizes injuries in crashes.
With the implementation of stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, and awareness of the public, indeed, every person should take it upon themselves to drive or walk responsibly.
This requires a culture of safety practice and obedience to traffic rules, combined with defensive driving and awareness. Thus, this makes it possible to avoid such tragedies in the future and, in the long run, at much less cost to all, maintain safety for every road user.
