I will begin by referring to accident prevention. This is a practical science that uses scientific principles and disciplines to study many accidents where damages (injuries and fatalities) are presented and seeks to prepare those involved in automotive transportation for future events are prevented, or at least reduce their number or their consequences are minor.
Three factors in the prevention of accidents (and even the study and the accidents that occur) is based: The vial factor, the vehicle factor and the human factor.
On the human factor building new roads and improving exisstentes they are especially mentioned, considering factors such as:
- The widest possible routes
- Routes with the fewest possible curves, in order to improve the visibility of drivers.
- Well demarcated and facilities for vehicle bypass routes, avoiding unnecessary risks in these maneuvers.
- Suitable for bicycle and pedestrian traffic areas.
- Zoom highways in urban centers, minimizing the interactions between pedestrians and wide avenues.
- Not many people constructions are made, close to major avenues.
- Design of traffic signals clear and easy to interpret.
- Elimination of items that may cause visual confusion or mistakes.
- Elimination of level crossings not only railways, but also in the great avenues.
About the vehicle factor worth noting that at present vehicle manufacturers design the whole vehicle with multiple systems that seek to avoid accidents or if they occur, the consequences for people who ride these are lower. This includes new brake systems, steering, pedestrian sensors, lighting, camera systems for mirrors, fire systems to prevent the vehicle (or its consequences), "air bags", etc.
On the human factor building new roads and improving exisstentes they are especially mentioned, considering factors such as:
- The widest possible routes
- Routes with the fewest possible curves, in order to improve the visibility of drivers.
- Well demarcated and facilities for vehicle bypass routes, avoiding unnecessary risks in these maneuvers.
- Suitable for bicycle and pedestrian traffic areas.
- Zoom highways in urban centers, minimizing the interactions between pedestrians and wide avenues.
- Not many people constructions are made, close to major avenues.
- Design of traffic signals clear and easy to interpret.
- Elimination of items that may cause visual confusion or mistakes.
- Elimination of level crossings not only railways, but also in the great avenues.
About the vehicle factor worth noting that at present vehicle manufacturers design the whole vehicle with multiple systems that seek to avoid accidents or if they occur, the consequences for people who ride these are lower. This includes new brake systems, steering, pedestrian sensors, lighting, camera systems for mirrors, fire systems to prevent the vehicle (or its consequences), "air bags", etc.
Similarly, on motorcycles ABS systems are presented in the brakes, airbags jackets, protective helmets in general and for the crew.
It is also very important to the state of the tires, especially when driving vehicles with the wet, where you can present the "aqua planing".
Finally he talks about the human factor, which is possibly the most important plays in the occurrence of traffic accidents role. Recklessness, drunk driving or hallucinogens, or driving by persons lacking experience or knowledge (unfit to drive people).
Here, to prevent accidents, two very important elements prevail: education and the need for frequent monitoring of the physical and mental conditions of drivers.
To prevent or reduce the frequency and / or consequences of accidents should take into account the following elements:
- If a driver violates a rule, I should not do the same.
- Should lead preventively, we can always seeking to stop the vehicle or respond to inappropriate behavior of another person.
- Overtaking, without exception, should be made on the left side and when conditions permit safely. Always avoid overtaking on curved track.
- It should be noted, using the directional and other signs, which will perform a maneuver curve in advance.
- Ensure all traffic signs, especially the traffic lights and signals "stop" or "wait" and the spaces reserved for the crosswalk.
- As drivers we are responsible for the perfect condition of the brakes, steering, tires and vehicle lights. We are also responsible to do everything possible to avoid encandilamientos of other drivers on the road.
- Finally we must be aware that as drivers are responsible for our lives and others who share the road and around us. We drive all the attention and possible caution.
- We are responsible to stay focused when driving, so we should not be intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or hallucinogens; We must not drive while performing other activities such as smoking or talking on the phone; and we must be sim sleep, tired or in states of emotion that can reduce our concentration. When these conditions occur, the vehicle must stop at the edge of the road and get enough rest to recover our concentration.
- As a general rule, we must respect other people on the road (motorized or not) as we would like to respect us.
Photo credit: By Shamil Khakirov from Ukraine (Автобус vs Тепловоз) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: By Shamil Khakirov from Ukraine (Автобус vs Тепловоз) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons