Road Safety Tips
All important tips for driving safely
Pakistan faces a dire road safety crisis, with a staggering number of fatalities occurring annually. As per the World Health Organization, around 30,310 lives are lost each year due to road accidents. This alarming statistic equates to approximately 20 deaths per 100,000 people, positioning Pakistan 67th globally in terms of road traffic accident fatalities.
If we look at the data province-wise during the year 2021, Punjab leads when it comes to road accidents, whereas Baluchistan reported the lowest number of road accidents.
Number of road accident's
- Punjab
- Sindh
- KPK
- Blochistan
A detail analysis on the causes of accidents highlights the fact that an alarming 86% of the accidents happened due to drivers’ faults. This included over-speeding, making wrong turns, not following traffic rules amongst the most common ones.
Tips for motorcars
As a driver, safety should always be your number one priority, whether you’re driving solo or with passengers. With distractions at an all-time high, it’s essential to master the fundamentals of safe driving and put them into practice every time you get behind the wheel. Here are some safety tips that can be used
- Always plan ahead and keep in mind the time and duration of the journey to avoid a rushed attitude
- You should check before proceeding:
- Sufficient fuel is available
- Driver’s seat, mirror and steering wheel are properly adjusted
- Head rests are adjusted properly to reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of an accident
- All lights are working
- Brakes, windscreen wipers, Emergency exit door and Tyres are functioning properly
- Follow and obey all traffic signals, lights, signs and road marking signs
- Use the indicator or hand signals when changing lanes
- Follow permissible speed limits
- Don’t use your cell phone while driving as it is dangerous and an offence. In case of emergency use hands-free system or park your vehicle and then make the call
- Stay alert and be considerate to pedestrians especially senior citizens, handicapped, ladies and children
- Do not overload your vehicles – be it luggage or passengers
- Do not use tinted glasses, lenses or anything that restricts vision at night or in poor visibility conditions
- Do not drink or smoke while driving as it adversely affects your judgment and abilities. Don’t Drive under the influence of drugs
- Always fasten your seat belts
Tips for cyclist
Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable to severe injuries, regardless of the collision type. This is due to the lack of protection while traveling at speeds over 15 km/h, which can generate forces that the human body cannot withstand.
To minimize the risk of accidents, follow these guidelines:
While driving:
- Always carry your license and vehicle registration.
- Never carry more than one pillion rider, who must sit astride the machine with both feet on footrests.
- Increase your visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using dipped headlights.
- Be aware of your surroundings, checking mirrors and looking behind you before manoeuvring.
- Wear reflective gear or strips to enhance visibility at night.
General safety tips:
- Never drink and drive.
- Follow traffic signals, signs, and road markings.
- Avoid using your cell phone while driving; pull over to take urgent calls.
- Maintain safe speeds to avoid losing control.
- Always wear a helmet.
Tips for pedestrians
To minimize pedestrian injuries and fatalities, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is crucial. By following traffic rules and being mindful of potential dangers, you can significantly reduce your risk of collision with a motor vehicle.
- Avoid walking with your back to traffic; instead, face the direction of oncoming vehicles.
- Before stepping into the road, check both ways for traffic.
- Wear bright, light-coloured, or fluorescent clothing in low-light conditions.
- Use reflective materials at night to increase visibility.
- Children should not walk alone; accompany them and hold their hands.
- Use pushchairs or reins for young children.
- Always walk on footpaths or, if none are available, walk on the right side of the road, facing traffic.
- Use designated pedestrian crossings; if none are available, cross safely when traffic permits.
- Avoid walking on motorways, slip roads, or main carriageways
- Refrain from distractions like reading or looking at billboards while walking
Tips for children
Children should learn basic road safety guidelines and not be allowed on the road alone until they can understand and follow them. Parents and teachers should set a good example by following these guidelines when accompanying children.
- Always use footpaths. If none are available, walk on the extreme right-hand side of the road.
- Avoid impatience and rushing on the road.
- Cross only at designated areas: zebra crossings, traffic signals, subways, or foot over-bridges.
- At signal lights, cross only on a clear green signal. If a policeman is controlling the intersection, wait for their signal.
- When crossing between parked vehicles, remember you may not be visible to moving traffic. Stop, look for a safe gap, and cross carefully.
- When crossing wide roads with central islands, cross in two stages: stop at the island and wait for a safe moment to cross the next section.
- When crossing one-way streets, ensure all lanes are clear before crossing.
- Avoid crossing roads at corners or curves, as motorists may not see you in time.
- Never run across the road, as you may slip and fall