Screeching metal, screeching tyres and human screams are unfortunately part of everyday life in areas with heavy traffic. Every year, around 1.2 million people die in car accidents around the world and around 50 million are injured. By observing a few safety rules, every driver can help to prevent car accidents.
Speed, seatbelts and mobile phones
For experienced or overconfident drivers, the speed limit on some roads seems too low and they exceed the limit. Realistically, however, driving faster does not usually get you to your destination any sooner, but only drastically increases the risk of accidents. For example, if you drive 130 km/h instead of 100 km/h over a distance of 80 km, you will only reach your destination 9 minutes earlier. Are these nine minutes really worth potentially jeopardising your health and that of others?
Seat belts in cars are there for your own safety. Nevertheless, there are a surprising number of people who choose not to wear a seatbelt when driving. According to the official authorities, more than 75,000 lives were saved in the USA between 2005 and 2009 by wearing a seatbelt. The airbag is not a replacement for the seatbelt, but provides additional safety in the event of an accident. Without the seatbelt, the airbag loses a large part of its effectiveness. Don't forget: Seat belts are not only compulsory for the driver and front passenger, but for all occupants of the vehicle.
Mobile phones can distract the driver's attention, even if it is only for a fraction of a second. This applies not only to making phone calls while driving, but also to reading and writing text messages.
Road condition and maintenance of the vehicle
The tyres' grip on the surface is drastically reduced if it is wet or covered with dust, sand or earth. You should therefore reduce your speed accordingly so that the tyres do not slip when braking. Tyres should always have sufficient tread, their air pressure should be checked regularly and, above all, they should be adapted to the weather conditions.
Regular vehicle maintenance is essential for general safety. This at least prevents the failure of mechanical parts, which causes the majority of all accidents. This includes all parts of the car, even seemingly less important ones such as the windscreen washer system.
Drinking and alcohol
Driving is a responsibility that should not be taken too lightly. Even small amounts of alcohol can turn an otherwise prudent driver into a danger. Thousands of people die on the roads every year due to alcohol consumption, many of them innocent bystanders. As a responsible driver, you should be aware that even minimal amounts of alcohol can reduce your ability to react and make harmless situations life-threatening.
Falling asleep at the wheel
Never get behind the wheel while tired. Even slight drowsiness can lead to microsleep, which causes many accidents every year.
Signs of fatigue that mean you are already unfit to drive are:
Difficulty focussing the eyes, heavy eyelids, frequent blinking.
Difficulty holding his head up.
Constant yawning.
Incomplete memory of the last kilometres driven.
Overlooking traffic signs, traffic lights or exits.
Deviating from the lane.
If you notice these signs, you should stop at the next opportunity and let someone else drive or sleep for a few minutes. Exercise in the fresh air helps to combat the momentary tiredness, but does not last long.
