Road Accident

2.1. The Causes of Road Accident

Road accident is becoming more and more common in today’s society and contributes to
a significant number of deaths as the result. The following are some causes that lead to road
accident.

2.1.1 Human Error

One of the leading causes is driver error. These are careless and unnecessary mistakes
such as falling asleep at the wheel, following other cars too closely, unsafe overtaking, speeding,
not stopping at the red traffic light and other common disregards of road rules. Distractions is
also linked to driver error because accidents can occur when the driver is distracted by such
things as changing CDs, calling on the phone, sending or reading text messages, and even
checking your make up on the mirror can all cause road accidents. Another common mistake
done by drivers is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

2.1.2 Poor Road Designs

Another cause of road accidents is poor road designs. This can happen when roadways
are not constructed appropriately and lead to conditions that allow for accident to occur. Some of
these include upkeep, unclear road signs and poorly placed barriers, guard rills and speed bumps.
Insufficient use of road markings and poor condition of road surface also makes it more likely
for accidents to occur.

2.2.3 Vehicle Defects

 Accidents can also happen on the road due to vehicle defects. These can be anything from
brake failure to a tire bursting. Defective car components such as airbags which do not deploy
correctly can also cause people to suffer more serious injuries when involve in an accident and
may even lead to death.

2.2.4 Road Traffic Accidents

Bad weather is also one of the biggest causes of road traffic accidents. This is because
bad weather such as heavy rain, snow or fog can cause bad visibility and poor friction on road
surfaces which in turn lead to vehicles not able to stop and break in time and collide with each
other or other objects.

2.2.5 Pedestrian

Pedestrian can also be involved and sometimes be the cause of road accidents. This can
happen when pedestrian are not careful and aware of their surrounding when crossing the street
or near roadways. This is the case especially for school children, old people, and the physically
disabled.

Since the number of road accidents and deaths is increasing every year, it is therefore
important for all parties from individuals to governments and organizations to play a part in
rising public awareness and making our roads safer for all.

2.3 The Solutions to Road Accident

 Road accidents happen daily and cause both damages and injuries to people and vehicles
that can sometimes result in deaths. The loss of lives from road accidents therefore requires
prompt solutions to prevent the number from rising.

2.3.1 Road Safety Campaigns

One of the solutions is through road safety campaigns organized by governments and
organizations to raise awareness among the public. This is important since the leading cause of
road accidents has been identified to be human error such as speeding, talking on the phone,
falling asleep behind the wheel, and consuming drugs or alcohol before driving. The campaign
should be carried out effectively through education using mass media and focused on changing
people’s attitude towards better road safety behavior such as wearing seat belts, driving under the
speed limit, and following the general road rules while driving.

2.3.2 Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is also another solution. Road accidents can be avoided through strict
law enforcement by preventing driver committing road offences and driving dangerously. This
can be done through regular roadblocks and inspections for illegal driving and wrong doings
such as speeding, and underage driving and mat rempit activities that endangers the safety of
other roads users.

2.3.3 Improve Condition of Road

Accidents on the roads can also be reduced by improving the condition of our roads. This
means improving road surfaces and upgrading and adding the number of facilities for drivers to
stop and rest. Roads should be monitored and maintained by covering up portholes and replacing
outdated or damaged road signs. Better road designs will also greatly help to reduce road
accidents.
2.3.4 Change in Attitude of Road Behavior
 However, one solution that will be the most effective at stopping accidents on the road
is changing people’s attitude and behavior towards road safety. This is because the efforts
through campaigns, law enforcement, and improving the physical condition of our roads is no
guarantee that drivers will become more responsible road users and be safer while behind the
wheels. Drivers must accept the responsibilities to be more cautious while driving and make an
effort to prevent accidents on the road from happening. Simple actions such as not speeding and
wearing seat belts can make a difference on the roads by preventing accidents and possible
deaths.

2.3.5 GPS Guided Cars

Another solution to road accidents is through the use of GPS guided cars which will be
the traffic accident prevention system of the future. This innovative solution will allow cars to
drive much closer together, yet they will never crash because computers will assure that vehicles
never get within striking distance to one another. Through this system, the element of human
error or drunk driving will no longer be an issue since people will no longer be in control behind
the wheels.

All of these solutions have the potential to make our roads safer and prevent unwanted
accidents and deaths. Everyone should make it a priority to become better road users and
promote the awareness of road safety.