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Wearing a helmet is the minimum you should do when riding your bicycle.
This is one of the reasons accidents happen. Before crossing a street, for instance, make sure the driver is purposely slowing down because they have seen you.
Crossing a busy road in a poorly-lit area might not be a great idea. Always look for areas with good visibility when crossing.
Pedestrians should always use the sidewalks. This is a no-brainer. Though if there isn’t one, and you have to walk on the road, make sure you walk facing traffic.
This may sound like common sense, but nowadays it’s easier than ever to get distracted. All it takes is checking your phone or listening to music.
Ride in a straight line, whenever possible, and don’t make sudden turns or stop abruptly.
This is yet another basic tip, but one worth mentioning nonetheless. Some people just disregard these, but, if there is one, use it.
Make sure both you and your bike are visible. Reflective clothing, as well as lights, can do a pretty good job making sure other road users see you.
Being a defensive driver can help you prevent situations that can lead to accidents. Staying on top of things such as speed and distances between vehicles can be very helpful when it’s time to turn or break.
Sources: (World Health Organization) (National Today) (Altus Emergency Centers)
See also: Car racing techniques that'll make you a better driver
Cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and other road users, so they should respect all traffic laws, including all road signals. This includes stopping at red signals, among others.
It’s important to evaluate the weather conditions and how these may affect the road and all its users. Rain, snow, and ice, in particular, can really affect road surface and have an impact on traction, and therefore stopping distances.
Respect cyclists. Unlike drivers or motorcyclists, they cannot go much faster, and they don't have sophisticated brakes. Nor can they go on the sidewalks. You will have to share the road with them, so keep a safe distance and make sure you check before opening your car door.
In addition to those mentioned above (not driving under the influence, wearing a seat belt/helmet, respecting speed limits, and not using your phone), it’s also important to stress that you should be well aware of other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
In some countries and regions, traffic laws are not properly enforced, and this can have a negative impact on road traffic safety. Now, let’s take a look at some extra tips for road users.
All of them. No exceptions. This includes stopping when there’s a stop sign, not just slowing down. Signal properly when you turn, and turn on your lights when required.
Despite the many safety measures vehicle manufacturers have implemented over the years, vehicles need maintenance. Also, many of these vehicles are indeed outdated when it comes to passive security measures (e.g. electronic stability control, ABS, airbags, etc.).
Road infrastructure also plays a role in traffic safety. Many roads were not designed with safety in mind. Not only for drivers, but also for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. In addition, many also lack proper maintenance and are in poor conditions.
These have been shown to reduce the likelihood of death in a crash by 60%.
Being distracted can be fatal while driving. Using your phone (utilizing your hands) while driving, for instance, makes you four times more likely to get into a road accident.
According to WHO, wearing a helmet “can lead to a 42% reduction in the risk of fatal injuries and a 69% reduction in the risk of head injuries.”
Speeding is one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents. Speed limits exist for a reason, and they can have a huge influence on the outcome if a crash is to occur. This is particularly true when it comes to the speed a pedestrian is hit with by a vehicle.
The vast majority of fatal road traffic accidents occur in low- and middle-income countries. Africa tops the list when it comes to injury death rates.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death by nearly half when compared to those who don’t wear one.
Risk factors include human error and infrastructural issues, as well as things such as ineffective enforcement of traffic laws. Let's take a look at some of these.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.3 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents.
According to WHO, these are actually the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged five to 29 years.
It's true that accidents happen, but when it comes to traffic safety, there are steps we can take to prevent these incidents. Every year, over a million people die as a result of road traffic accidents around the world, so it really is important to draw our attention to traffic safety awareness.
In this gallery, we go through some statistics, risk factors, and safety tips for all, be it drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and so on. Click on to learn more.
The first recorded car crash occurred in 1771, when Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot’s steam-powered vehicle crashed into a wall in France. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot invented the world's first self-propelled vehicle.
Alcohol and other psychoactive substances can have a serious impact on driving, and substantially increase the chances of something going horribly wrong.
Important traffic safety tips for all
Each year, more than a million individuals lose their lives due to global traffic accidents
LIFESTYLE Safety awareness
It's true that accidents happen, but when it comes to traffic safety, there are steps we can take to prevent these incidents. Every year, over a million people die as a result of road traffic accidents around the world, so it really is important to draw our attention to traffic safety awareness.
In this gallery, we go through some statistics, risk factors, and safety tips for all, be it drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and so on. Click on to learn more.