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                                                      ROAD RISKS

Each time we use the road as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, we put ourselves to risks. Certain conditions add to the risk. These are mentioned below:

1)        Driving/travelling at night

2)        Bad weather

3)        Road condition

4)        Car failure

5)        Unexpected situations

1)        Driving/travelling at night:

► Visibility is greatly reduced at night. Depth, perception, colour recognition, peripheral vision are affected. This hampers judgment on the road

► Fatigue, that brings on drowsiness, adds to the danger.

► Nights are especially notorious for fatal crashes that occur due to use of alcohol.

Measures to be taken:

► Avoid using the roads at night as far as possible.

► Take preventive action in case you do:

       As a driver:

● Make sure all lights are in working condition. Clean them well before moving.

●    Reduce driving speed.

●    Drive with low beams.

●    Stop and rest if you are too tired.

As a passenger:

● Avoid traveling at night however tempting it may be.

●   Avoid sleeping to seated near the driver.

●   Make sure the driver is wide awake and alert.

●   Ask the driver to stop if you have the slightest doubt.

2)        Bad weather:

Vision is hampered due to bad weather conditions such as rainfall, fog or snowfall.

The risk multiplies ten fold if the same is faced while driving at night. Brakes too do not work well enough in rain or snowfall.

Measures to be taken:

► Avoid using the road in bad weather. Refrain from tendency to ‘carry on’, despite unfavourable conditions.

► If caught unawares, stop at the nearest available shelter – home/hotel/shop or pull off the road and park at a safe place. Make use of hazard lights.

As a pedestrian:

●   Use bright coloured clothes while walking.

●   Wear a reflective band around wrists and heels or head.

●    Walk on the pavement or on the extreme right of the road that will enable you to see the approaching traffic.

3)        Unexpected situations could be falling rocks or any of the like of those given

below:

Mr. A drives right into a truck. Reason, no tail lights.

Mr. B bangs into the car before him.

Reason. Brakes suddenly with no indication brake lights two are not working.

Mr. C loses control of his speeding vehicle and is thrown off road.

Reason. A scooterist entering the main road from a side road, did not follow the right of way.

Mr. D is held responsible for injuring a little child.

Reason : The child comes running almost out of nowhere, onto the street and right into his path.

Expect the unexpected. In this way you are better equipped or prepared to handle the situation. Look out for the mistakes of others.

Miss E who is walking on extreme left the road on her way to school is crushed under the wheels of a truck.

Reason? The truck driver loses control due to fatigue.

These and more such incidents reveal that a great number of accidents occur most unexpectedly. We need to be alert always and exercise caution when we use the roads.

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