Road traffic accidents are a growing problem, and despite the number of speed related collisions and deaths being reduced, the number of other causes such as mobile phones, drink and drug driving, and simple tiredness or not wearing a seatbelt. Here are the facts to keep you from making trivial mistakes that can cost lives.
Driving under the influence is a criminal offence, and refers to not only having one too many pints; it refers to anything that can impair your senses and judgement. Being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can cause slow reaction times and a lack of concentration, hallucinations, dizziness, tremors and more. It doesn’t matter how much of a careful driver you think you are, or how unaffected you feel, the police will pull you over, and will be able to test and arrest you on the spot for driving under the influence. Sentences include a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine of up to 5000, and a criminal record. If a death is caused due to driving under the influence, a minimum 14 year prison sentence is to be expected.
One of the main culprits for averting a driver’s attention is the mobile phone, and that includes using them hands-free. One well known road safety campaign put out the message “Missing a call won’t kill you”, trying to make drivers think again about answering their phone when at the wheel. Police on the Isle of Man have put up road side messages threatening a maximum penalty of 1000 for anyone caught using a mobile at the wheel, hands -free or not.
Around 20% of all road accidents are caused by fatigue, and sleep related accidents are more likely than accidents of any other cause to be fatal or cause serious injury. The risk is even greater when commercial vehicles are involved. To help prevent fatigue it is best to remember the following. If you have to take long journeys try to take a break every 2 hours, and have a caffeinated drink. Remember that caffeine takes round 15 minutes to kick in. Be aware of the risks if you have to travel particularly early in morning or late at night, and plan for regular breaks or even an overnight stay along the way. If you become overly tired, find a safe place to stop like a motorway services or similar, NOT the motorway hard shoulder.
Road safety should be priority for all drivers, and in most cases it is. However there are the few who cause the number of road deaths and accidents to remain, and this is due to small and simple acts that have catastrophic consequences. Keeping within speed limits, ignoring or switching off your phone, and leaving the recommended 2 second gap between yourself and the car in front can all help improve your focus and keep our roads safe for everyone.
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