social awareness -accident

1. ROAD SAFETY ESSAY
Road safety is a safety measure to reduce the risk of road accidents and road side injury because
of the mistakes of people while driving on the road. We cannot count the daily road side
accidents and death of people because of the driving mistakes and lack of road traffic rules
followers. Every person going on the road has risk of injury or death. Such as pedestrians,
motorists, cyclists, passengers, etc.
Everyone needs to be well aware of the road traffic rules especially children and young people
who are at significant road accident risks. According to the statistics (World Health
Organization, 2008), it is found that most of the hospitalization cases and leading cause of death
are because of the road trauma. As we all are well aware that road accidents, injury and death has
been very common now-a-days. People not following the road traffic rules and road safety
measures are the main cause of such accidents on the roads. We always hear in the news or by
our friends about the road accidents because of the wrong side driving, lack of road safety rules,
measures, high speed, drunk driving, etc. Government has made variety of road traffic and road
safety rules for everyone using road for their safety and reducing the number of daily road
accidents. We should follow the all the rules and regulations such as practicing defensive
driving, using safety measures, maintaining speed limit, understanding road signs, etc.
Road safety risks have been increased because of the driver distraction due to the use of cell-
phone or other electronic devices while driving. In such cases, traffic laws and rules helps us a
lot to keep away from the road accidents and injury. Road safety measures are the tools can save
from the expensive traffic fines, serious offences, removal of driving licenses, etc. Pedestrians
also know the rules of walking on the road like proper use of crosswalks, use of zebra crossing,
etc.
Accidents
The truth is that almost all traffic accidents are avoidable. There are a number of things that
individual drivers can do and a number of things that individual drivers can avoid doing that can
make driving easier, safer, and more fun. Paying attention is obviously of paramount important
when driving, so eliminating a lot of the distractions is key to driving safer.
Vehicle Accidents In India
Vehicle accidents generally occur as a result of human error in the operation of vehicles, the
design of roads, and the manufacturing and maintenance of vehicles. Vehicle accidents can
include 18 wheeler accidents, bus accidents, truck accidents, and passenger cars and vans.
Lawyers role in society is to make it better and generally speaking they do.
Young people and the elderly cause a disproportionately high number of vehicle accidents. The
young because they are careless and the old because their bodies are just not as good as they used
to be. For the most part speed is the principal cause of vehicle accidents. The elderly react much
slower than younger people and have to be driving substantially slower to keep from colliding.

2. The elderly generally don't speed, but speed limits for the elderly may be too fast, because they
simply don't re-act fast enough.
Younger drivers are not too familiar with the consequences of driving recklessly, but learn after a
few traffic tickets and as they watch their insurance premiums rise. Many drivers drive
cautiously because of the potentially higher insurance premiums. Often drivers want to keep
vehicle accidents hidden and offer to pay for damages out of their own pocket. These type of
arrangements following a vehicle accident is very common, but often back fires on the injury
victim. The injury victim often does not realize the severity of the injury until several hours later
when they realize they can barely move.
Main causes of accidents
Intersection Mistakes
A large number of accidents occur because people make critical intersection errors. In fact, it is
reported that intersection accidents make up about one quarter of all automobile accidents
because people are too distracted by too many things. The best way to avoid crashes at
intersections is to pay attention to the lights, the other cars, and the direction you are driving.
Watch crosswalks for pedestrians and ensure that you are crossing the intersection on a green
light, not a red or yellow light.
Pay Attention!
Accidents mostly occur because the drivers involved aren’t paying attention to the road or, more
importantly, to one another. The biggest problems in traffic take place because of a breakdown in
communication between drivers. Make eye contact whenever possible with pedestrians and other
drivers to establish points of contact. This will help determine where the driver or pedestrian is
going and help to avoid collision.
Pay attention to the road, too. Ensure that you are familiar with the direction you are going, with
the turns you’ll have to make, and with any of the other possibilities for confusion so that you

3. can be aware of your vehicle and its position at all times. Not paying attention to where you are
going can lead to accidents, getting lost, or fatalities.
Stay Back
Many people follow too closely. Lots of accidents are rear-end accidents caused by tailgating, so
keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you at all times. If
somebody is tailgating you, do not panic by slamming on the brakes and do not get angry.
Simply keep your pace the same and drive in the same fashion as you would, tailgater or not.
Seat Belts
Seat belts should be worn comfortable enough to keep you in your seat if there is a collision. Put
the shoulder strap over your shoulder, never under your arm. The lap belt should be put low over
the hips, not over the stomach.
• Seat belt keeps you behind the wheel and in control of the vehicle in case of a collision.
• Seat belt keeps your head and body from hitting the inside of the vehicle.
• Seat belt keeps you inside the vehicle in a collision. A person who is thrown out of the
vehicle during the collision has a higher chance of getting serious injury.

4. Who’ll educate the educated?
Though it is mandatory to wear helmet while riding two-wheelers,
some city residents openly flouting road safety norms. The law-enforcing authorities need to
strictly implement the law for the benefit of the citizens.

5. Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use

6. As cell phones have become more popular and their use has increased, so too have cell phone-
related accidents. These accidents range from minor to catastrophic and have led to laws that
limit or prohibit the use of cell phones on the road.
Cell Phone Dangers
Cell phones draw a driver's attention away from traffic, road conditions and vehicleoperation.
Some studies have shown the increased likelihood of an accident to be four times the normal rate
when a driver is using a cell phone. A large part of this dangerous distraction involves the need
to physically handle the phone. Activities such as reading the display screen, pressing buttons
and holding the phone to the ear all require the driver to take his hands off the steering wheel or
his eyes off the road. Cell phones require a driver to listen to the person speaking through the
phone, leaving the driver less likely to hear another driver's horn or an emergency siren. When
thoughts are focused on the subject of the conversation, they are also less focused on driving.
Texting/Messaging
A more recent concern in driver safety involving cell phones involves text messages and other
phone features that do not require talking into the phone. Texting while driving has been cited as

7. the cause of numerous accidents. It has become more worrisome, as text-messaging capabilities
are built into more phones, and more users purchase text-messaging plans or use the built-in
Internet features on their phones. Road Safety - How to Prevent Accidents
It is better to be safe than to be sorry. Prevent accidents by taking all the precautions you can.
1. As they say speed thrills and also kills. Keep a rein on your speed, so that one is in better
control of the vehicle. Find out what causes you to speed up? Is there an urge to speed when you
have a driver close behind? Or, is it an effort to keep up with the traffic flow. Or, do you simply
enjoy over-taking? It is especially important to lower speed while nearing schools, on narrow
roads, hilly areas, rural areas and when visibility is poor. Wet roads and speed is a perfect recipe
for an accident.
2. Obey traffic rules. Traffic rules have been designed with safety foremost in mind. It takes into
account safety for all, including pedestrians. Follow the lane, and keep the required distance
between vehicles. It is important to display appropriate indications/signals especially while
changing lanes or before a turn. Respect for other drivers on the road is sacrosanct to road safety.
3. Wear seat belts. Seat belts are life saving. A statistic has revealed that 63% of those who died
in accidents had not strapped on their seat belts. According to the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), lap-shoulder belt systems cut the risk of serious
injury and fatality by 50 percent. Seat belts help in protecting the internal organs in a crash as it
restrains the forward movement of the body to a great extent. It protects against head and neck
injuries by minimizing head contacts and keeps the passenger in place.
4. Pedestrians and children come first – Preference is to be given to pedestrians and children
crossing the road.
5. Read caution signs: Caution signs are very important as they warn about accident prone spots
so that the driver can reduce the speed of the vehicle. Signboards on the road are vital clues
about road design so that the person behind the wheel can exercise caution.
6. Adopt antiskid break systems in the cars, so that the risk of cars skidding can be reduced.
7. Air bags in vehicles are a must to cushion the impact in case of accidents.
8. Reflectors to be used on the rear of the vehicle. Ensure all lamps are in working condition.
Hazard lamp should be switched on when the vehicle is parked on a highway.
9. Vehicle must be in good working condition- there should be no compromise on the quality of
brakes and tyres. Further, it is imperative to inflate tyres with the right air pressure to avoid tyre
bursts on road.

8. 10. Roads should be in good condition with proper sign boards. It is vital to install reflectors on
roads so that deviations and medians are clearly visible to drivers.
11. Avoid drugs and alcohol while driving. Drugs and alcohol can slow down reflexes, disrupt
accurate judgments, and cause mental alertness to dip. They have been the reason behind many
fatal road accidents.
12. Falling asleep behind the wheel has led to many grave mishaps on the road. Drivers must rest
well as the lack of it can have an adverse effect on mental alertness, slow down reflexes, and
even cause momentary sleepiness behind the wheel. What follows is a disaster.
The Road Ahead
Road safety is a collective effort of the government and people. While the government
administration must leave no stone unturned in ensuring proper condition of the roads and
enforcing strict adherence to traffic rules, responsible driving and the right attitude of people
with respect to traffic rules is perhaps the first step on the long road to 100% safety on the roads.
Importance Of Road Safety Rules And Regulations For Kids:
Unlike adults, children do not have the maturity to know what to do and what not, when walking
on the roads. Without adult supervision and proper knowledge of road safety rules, children can
put themselves at risk. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report for
2014, 3% of the people who died due to road accidents were children (1). Statistics also show
that 480 kids were injured every day due to road accidents in the same year. What’s more
disturbing is that of the 4,884 pedestrians who were killed in road accidents, 207 were kids.
When it comes to the safety of your children, you should not compromise. Teach about road
safety for children as soon as they are old enough to step out of the house. Ensure that they
understand what you are saying by practicing it with them.
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Keep reading for more road and traffic safety rules and information for your kids.
[ Read: Bicycle Safety Rules For Kids ]
13 Rules To Ensure Road Safety For Kids
While it is important for children to know about road safety rules and regulations, they should
not be given more information than they can handle. Here are a few basic road safety rules for
kids that you can begin with.
1. Know Your Signals
Help your kid learn about the traffic lights and signs, and what each color indicates.
• Green means ‘go’: Only when the signal turns ‘green’, vehicles move ahead.
• Red means to ‘stop’: When the signal turns red, all the vehicles have to stop.
• Yellow means to slow down: When the signal turns yellow, vehicles should slow down
and prepare to stop.

9. • The ‘Walk’ or a walking man symbol at intersections are for pedestrians. Cross the road
only if these signs turn green. But look to the left and right to ensure no vehicles are
approaching.
• Never cross the road if the sign says ‘Don’t Walk’ or if the walking man symbol turns
red.
Sometimes a hand symbol is used instead of the walking man or ‘Walk’ signals. Tell your kid
about that too. If there are other symbols for pedestrians, you should make it a point to let them
know. Gradually, teach your children about the other essential traffic signals they should know.
2. Stop, Look, And Cross
Your child may have to walk to school or the bus stop and back. They may only have to cross the
street after the school bus drops them off. Even if they don’t, they may have to cross the street to
get to a friend’s house or a neighbor’s. Whatever the case is, you should teach your kids to cross
the road safely. Here’s how you can help them learn.
Always look for signals and use the pedestrian crossing to cross the road. In the absence of such
markings, here is what you should do:
• Look to your right and then to the left to see if there are any approaching vehicles.
• If yes, wait for the vehicle to pass and then cross the road.
• Never cross at bends.
• Never cross between stationary vehicles.
Adults should always accompany children aged less than six and hold their hand when crossing
the street.
[ Read: Safety Rules For Kids At School ]
3. Pay Attention – Listen
Teach your kids that they may not always be able to see an oncoming vehicle, especially if they
are standing near a bend. Therefore, they should listen to know if a vehicle is approaching. Cars
and other vehicles on the road often use the “horn” at bends and at unmanned intersections to
indicate that they are nearing. Tell your children:
• If they hear a horn, stop and look to the left and right to see if any vehicle is approaching.
• Listen for engine sounds nearby to know if there is a moving vehicle – explain how a
loud noise indicates the vehicle is nearby, and a faint sound means it is away.
[ Read: Child Brain Development ]
4. Don’t Run On Roads
Children may not always have patience and may tend to run across the street to get to the other
side. They may also run along the road in your neighborhood while playing. Tell your kids never
to run across or along the road. Children can get distracted easily and leave their guardian’s hand
to run or sprint away.
Teach your kids to stay calm on the road and never to run or sprint.
5. Always Use Sidewalks

10. Teach your kids to use the sidewalk when walking on the road. Set an example for them by using
the walking paths yourself. Whether it is a busy street or not, encourage your kid to use the
sidewalk to stay safe on the road.
[ Read: Child Passenger Safety ]
6. Crossroads and Pedestrian Crossing
Kids have a tendency just to sprint across the street, anywhere they like. That can be dangerous
as passing vehicles do not slow down unless there is a signal or a crossroad. Tell your kids to
cross only at an intersection and use the pedestrian crossing. If they are in a small neighborhood
where there is no crossroad or marked crossing, they should follow the rules mentioned above.
Lessons on pedestrian safety for kids are important and should be included in school curriculum
as well.
7. Never Stick Hands Outside The Vehicle
Kids tend to put their hands out of the school bus even when it is moving. Some of them may
even put their head out to look back and wave. This is common with students taking the school
bus. It may seem like a fun idea but sticking hands or head out of a moving vehicle can be highly
dangerous. If children are not careful, they could be hit by vehicles approaching from the
opposite direction.
8. Never Cross Road At Bends
Bends are the blind spots for motorists. When you cross at a bend, you do not give the vehicle
drivers enough time to spot you and stop the car. Tell your kid never to cross at a bend as that
can increase the chances of them getting hurt.
9. Staying Safe On A Bicycle
If you have an older kid who rides his bike to school or around the neighborhood, make sure he
is aware of and follows the following cycling rules to stay safe on the road.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.
• Check if the bicycle is in working condition before using it – check for breaks and light,
if using at night.
• Always use the bicycle lane. In its absence, ride the bike on extreme right or left side
(whichever is right in your country) of the road and move along with traffic. Keep your
eyes and ears open to make way for larger and faster vehicles behind you.
• Always use a light in areas with poor visibility and at night, to be easily noticed by
motorists.
Do not allow kids to ride a cycle on busy streets without parental supervision.
10. Staying Safe Inside A Moving Vehicle
In a moving car, you can make sure that your kid is safe with the help of a car seat or seat belts.
To see that they are safe in a moving vehicle without you, make sure they learn and follow these
simple rules:
• Never stand inside a moving vehicle, especially a school bus or van.
• Students should not move around inside a moving school bus.

11. • Stay seated and hold on to the hard rail inside the bus for support, until the vehicle comes
to a stop.
• Do not put any part of the body outside the window of a moving vehicle.
[ Read: School Bus Safety Rules For Kids ]
11. Always Get Out At The Curb Side
If your kid takes the school bus every day, help them remember these safety tips.
• Start early and be on time to avoid running for the bus.
• Always stand in the queue when boarding and alighting the bus.
• Always get off the curb side when getting off a car or the bus to prevent being an
obstruction to the other vehicles on the road.
12. Be Seen, Stay Safe
Dressing in black may be a bad idea when you want to walk at night. It is important that vehicle
drivers notice you if you want to stay safe. To be seen:
• Wear light colored clothes or reflective material when walking or biking at night.
• Wear bright clothes during the day.
• Wave your hand if you want to indicate your presence to an incoming vehicle.
13. Don’t Rush
Children can get excited and rush in an attempt to get to a place or meet someone. That can be
dangerous. Teach your kids to:
• Not rush when getting into or off a vehicle as it can be hazardous.
• Not get distracted or suddenly drag the parent or guardian in a particular direction as this
can throw the adult off guard.
• Stay calm and do not rush when walking on the street.
• Not open the car doors suddenly as they them get into a habit of opening the doors only
after you say so.
• Do not play in the bus bay or on the roads.
7 Tips To Keep Your Child Safe On Roads
Besides teaching about road safety rules for kids, parents should also keep in mind the following
tips to ensure that their children stay safe on the road.
1. Buckle up! – Ensure that your child always wears the seat belt, or is secured in a car seat.
2. Use the child lock feature to prevent your kids from opening car doors by themselves.
3. Teach them about the rules practically – take them for walks and cycling, and teach them
how to do it right.
4. Exhibit patience when driving – set an example for your kids to be calm and not rush on
the road.
5. Be punctual and disciplined to avoid speeding and rash driving.
6. Do not use mobile phones or other gadgets when driving.
7. Never leave your kids alone in the car.
[ Read: General Safety Rules For Kids ]