Prevention of Road Traffic Accidents

• Check your speedometer regularly while driving

• Know the speed limits – look for signs, especially at junctions

• Remember, speed limits are a maximum, not a target

• Stay focused on the road 

• Recognise what makes you speed , whether it may be keeping up with traffic, overtaking or being tailgated

• Plan your journeys and leave on time to make allowances for heavy traffic or unforeseeable circumstances

• Ensure you are in a calm, good mood before starting your journey

• Reflect on your driving and recognise any cause that can affect your emotions such as stress

• Always stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you

• Recognise the different stopping distances for vehicles of different weights and sizes

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

• Avoid taking any alcoholic drinks before driving

• Reject drinking invitations when you know that you are about to drive

• Take alternative modes of transport after drinking , e.g taxis, public transport

• Follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist

• Understand your medications and their side effects well

• Do not drive if you feel unwell or think your medication may be affecting your ability to drive

• Seek alternative modes of transport after taking your medications

• Take sufficient rest before you start your journey

• Recognise the disadvantages of taking drugs and seek help to quit

• Make sure you get adequate sleep before starting your journey

• Maintain good sleeping habits

• Avoid driving when you are sleepy

• Stop in a safe place when you feel tired to rest. You can even refresh yourself with caffeinated drinks if necessary

• If you have a long drive ahead of you, have a partner with you and take turns to drive

• Avoid using your mobile phone when driving

• If necessary, stop your vehicle at a safe place to check messages or return any calls

• Turn off or place your phone on silent mode before starting the journey

• Use voicemail on your mobile phone so people can leave messages for you while you are travelling

• Make wearing your helmet a habit before starting your journey

• Ensure that the helmet fits well to your head size and offers proper protection

• Cultivate the habit of wearing your seatbelt as soon as your enter your vehicle

• Ensure all passengers have their seatbelts on before starting your journey

• Ensure that your tyres are adequately inflated

• Change your car tyres when needed. You can check this by looking for the thread wear indicator bars running perpendicular to your tyres

•  Have your brakes checked regularly when servicing your car

Replace your brakes if you notice any of the following while braking:

• A squealing sound
• Strong vibrations or a grinding sensation
• Pulling to one side of the road

• Decrease the length of trips and the routes taken

• This reduces the necessity of motor vehicle usage by allowing travellers to reach their destinations by walking or cycling

• Encourage working from home

• Create restrictions on vehicle parking and road usage

• Create separations between pedestrians and cyclists with motorways

• Install speed cameras

• Limit or ban alcohol usage on drivers

• Limit blood alcohol concentration

• Fine or jail offenders who exceed the alcohol consumption limit

• Enforce laws on the mandatory use of seatbelts and helmets etc.

• Based on the road functions eg residential areas, motorways

• Create footpaths or pavements

• Create roundabouts, and road humps where necessary

• Implement lower speed limits at sharp bends

• Install safety barriers, guard fences and rails