Thursday, 25 April 2013

Road Safety Rules


According to Science Daily, more than 6 million accidents involving motor vehicles occurred in the United States in 2007 alone, resulting in the deaths of over 41,000 people and injuries in 2.5 million additional individuals. Sobering data like that is a great motivator to practice diligent, safe driving while navigating the numerous roadways worldwide.

Get Licensed
There's a reason why a valid license is required to operate most motor vehicles. Completing the process ensures drivers know the rules of the road and how to follow them.

Stay Alert
People operating vehicles, including bicycles, should avoid doing so when sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the three things most likely to inhibit mental awareness, response control and reaction time.

Follow the Speed Limit
Doing things faster can directly contribute to missing important details and making more mistakes. Honor the speed limit, especially in school and elderly zones, to avoid related accidents.

Watch the Road
Driving is not the time to multitask and let your mind wander. Pay close attention to the road you're traveling on, as well as other drivers nearby.

Wear a Seatbelt
Whether driving or just a passenger in either the front or back seats, properly using a seat belt helps prevent or lessen injuries in the case of an accident.

Basic Road Safety Equipment


Basic road safety equipment has grown significantly over the decades from traffic cones, barriers and signs to photo speed enforcement, surveillance cameras and infrastructure designed to minimize accidents.

Road Equipment
Primary equipment to ensure road worker include safety cones, road barriers, road lamps, directional signs and temporary speed bumps, according to manchestersafety.co.uk.

Traffic Controller
A key component to road safety is the workers carrying flags or lamps to control traffic in busy construction areas, such as on highways and freeways.

Personal Safety
Road workers are required to wear a variety of equipment to ensure safety, such as a helmet, eye and hearing protection, flame retardant clothing, air respirators, high visibility clothing, harnesses for aerial work and back braces.

Infrastructure
Infrastructure is often underestimated, such as steel guard rails and barriers at bridges and viaducts.

Technology
Technological advances have made photo speed enforcement and video surveillance ubiquitous on most roads and highways in North America and Europe.

For the Car
Drivers should keep such basic items as a first-aid kit, blanket, flashlight and jumper cables in the vehicle in the event the vehicle is disabled, according to vat19.com.