DETROIT – Even though more than 1.35 million people die on the roads each year, traffic-related deaths do not receive the same level of public or political attention as plane, boat or train crashes. Nevertheless, while many people believe that disasters like this are inevitable, they certainly don’t have to be if both drivers and governments work together on solutions that will make the roadways as safe as possible for all parties concerned.
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Human life – and its inherent fragility – is at the center of a road developed utilizing a safe system. This approach is especially important when it comes to addressing the safety concerns of those who walk, bike, or ride a motorbike without the extra protection of a car, as they contribute to more than half of all road fatalities.
For that reason, some key actions need to be taken by the government and drivers themselves to reduce risk and increase the number of safe and healthy mobility options available.
Making Traffic Plans
A Road Traffic Collision (RTC) can happen to anyone, at any time and in any place. The increased number of cars on the road and the high speed of travel intensify the rate of RTCs. However, with enough awareness and strict enforcement of laws, we can reduce this rate significantly.
For instance, a good traffic control plan is an essential part of the management of traffic and there are numerous benefits it offers. However, the most important reason for its implementation is to lower the number of road accidents occurring on the streets of a city. The following are some ways through which traffic control plans can help in reducing accidents:
Safety
A traffic control plan offers a high level of safety. It helps drivers to be aware of the potential hazards that may occur while they drive on a particular route. It also instructs them on what precautions must be taken to avoid any mishap or accident. The best way to ensure high safety standards is by educating drivers about different traffic signs and signals, and how they should respond to them.
Traffic Flow
A traffic control plan helps in increasing the efficiency of traffic flow. It allows drivers to know how to use different signs and signals strategically to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic. When these devices are placed properly, they can prevent people from getting stuck in heavy traffic jams, which results in increased levels of road rage and frustration among other drivers. This creates an environment where accidents can happen easily because there is no communication between vehicles on the same road.
Smarter Street Design
By improving visibility and accessibility for individuals walking and cycling, as well as encouraging better driving behavior from cars, street design can improve safety and quality of life.
Traffic circles, for example, help reduce traffic speeds at intersections, which are high-risk areas for collisions. Vehicle speeds near residential and school zones can be controlled via speed humps.
Narrower streets also encourage more cautious driving and make crossing easier for pedestrians. According to data from Mexico City, the probability of pedestrian collisions increases by up to 6% for every additional meter of crossing width.
Heavy Vehicles Signalization
On the other hand, large and heavy vehicles, such as trucks, are naturally dangerous to drive around in. It’s even more so when they turn left at an intersection because they often block the driver’s view of oncoming traffic.
For that reason, it should be mandatory that they have a spotlight signal designed to address this problem by putting a light on top of the truck’s cabin. The light shines on the left side where it otherwise would be blocked by the cargo, so other drivers can see it better. The spotlight signal seeks to eliminate blind spots for truck drivers and other motorists alike.
Improving Public Road User Education
Getting safe, competent, and well-trained drivers on the road is the ultimate goal, which is why new driver education programs should be comprehensive, well-supervised, well-regulated, hands-on, and begin early. Such programs should be implemented in schools to help teenagers develop their skills as early as possible.
However, safe driving instruction is beneficial to all drivers, not just new ones. The efficient operation and development of the system are supported by informing key stakeholders such as planners, health experts, engineers and law enforcement officers of the many principles and action areas of the safe system approach. When combined with enforcement and education, mass media efforts have a considerably greater impact on behavior.
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
Final Thoughts
In the end, the solution does come from both sides coming together—the drivers and the government. Fortunately, there are plenty of measures that can be taken to reduce accidents and as drivers, we need to become more aware of the risks we take when we get behind the wheel. It’s only by becoming aware that we can then begin rectifying our habits—and as a result, make the path safer for everyone.
Bio: Paul Williamson is a writer and marketing manager who helps companies develop quality content around a wide range of topics. He aims to create content that provides educational and helpful information to the readers.
