road safety

Road Safety for All: What Every Motorist and Pedestrian Should Know

Nothing compares to the feeling of coming home to your loved ones after a tiring day at work or school. However, some fail to make it back home, and sadly, this can happen to anyone.

According to a 2018 global report by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.35 million people are killed on the world’s roads every year. WHO also said that road injury is the major killer for those aged 5 to 29 years old. If you experience a road accident, whether as a pedestrian or in a serious truck accident in Salt Lake City, Utah, you need to seek a truck accident lawyer who understands personal injury cases can help your case.

While governments play a vital role in making roads safer by building much-needed infrastructure and enforcing good policies, there are things that you can do to prevent traffic deaths and accidents.

Fasten your seatbelt

This may be simple and obvious advice, but wearing a seatbelt while on the road can save lives. Buckling up while in transit can reduce the risk of death by as much as 60 percent, according to WHO. They also add that parents should have age-appropriate seats and seatbelts for their kids.

Don’t drive when you’re drunk

Chances of a fatal road crash and sustaining serious injuries are higher when you drive after consuming too much alcohol. Drink-driving is also associated with risky road behavior such as speeding and not using seatbelts.

Be alert!

Before crossing the streets or making turns, stay alert and be aware of other vehicles passing like trucks and buses to prevent a collision. Also, avoid driving in someone else’s blind spot.

Avoid speeding

The faster the speed, the more likely a deadly crash will occur so slow down and follow traffic rules and regulations. You may be in a rush, but a 5 percent reduction in average speed can cut the number of deaths by 30 percent.

pedestrian lane

Eyes on the road

Keep your focus on the road when driving and avoid any distractions, including answering a phone call or texting. According to WHO, there is a high probability that a crash will happen if a driver uses mobile phones. If you take your eyes off the road to text, the risk increases.

Get enough sleep

Driving when you feel sleepy is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol as it can ruin your focus and impair your driving skills. Take a nap first before driving or pull over to rest for a bit.

Wear a helmet

If you are a motorcyclist or a cyclist, make sure to protect your head by wearing a helmet as it can increase your chances of surviving an accident by 40 percent.

Always use the sidewalks

When outside, use the sidewalks and pedestrian crossings all the time. If you are a parent, be a good example to your kids and teach them to walk on designated areas for pedestrians.

There are many life-saving road safety tips, but people often take them for granted until a fatal crash happens. If a road accident happens to you, learn about what is due to you and seek legal aid.

 

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