Driving is inevitable today. Whether we work at home, in our hometown or in a neighboring city, have a store within reach or in another place, we always come across a situation where we need to use a car to get to a certain point. However, daily migrations come with certain risks. Every year, more than a million people die on the roads around the world.
This figure comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but the CDC adds that “traffic injuries are estimated to be the eighth leading cause of death worldwide” and that they are “the leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 29.” It points out that by 2030, traffic injuries could become the seventh leading cause of death worldwide.
Most traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. But it’s not just poorer countries that are being hit hard. Today, road accidents are on the rise, largely due to aggressive speeding and texting while driving. The CDC says the numbers in America increased dramatically from 2016 to 2017. The changes were greater than at any time in 50 years.
Countries with the highest percentage of road traffic fatalities in 2015:
Countries with the lowest percentage of road traffic fatalities in 2015:
Some countries are aware of the dangers on the road and have therefore taken certain measures. South Korea has made an analysis of dangerous sections of the roads and completely renovated them and reinforced the protective fences. They have also installed many more speed bumps to regulate speeding. They have designated school zones that prohibit driving over 30 km/h. Non-governmental organizations have educated road users on how to drive more safely and what to do if they detect a dangerous driver. From 1992 to 2014, these measures have reduced all traffic accidents in South Korea by 60 percent.
Another exemplary country is Sweden, which has set a goal of achieving zero deaths from road accidents by 2020. The project is called “Vision Zero.” They have built more roundabouts, pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, widened roads, protected crossings with zebra crossings, flashing lights and speed bumps. They have also separated cyclists from other traffic and created cycle paths, and tightened traffic fines.
What can you do to increase road safety?
- Always use a seat belt in every seat, even on very short journeys.
- Make sure children are always properly restrained with a seat belt in a car seat, booster seat or child seat. Make sure the buckles are appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight.
- Don’t drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Help others do the same. Also, don’t drive with anyone who has been drinking or taking drugs.
- Limit your driving speed to the prescribed speed.
- Drive without distractions. Do not use your cell phone to send text messages while driving.
- Be careful when crossing streets. If you are traveling in another country, familiarize yourself with your traffic laws.
- Only ride in legal taxis. Only ride with those who have seat belts.
- Avoid riding in overcrowded, oversized, or heavy vehicles.
- Use safe driving aids that will alert you to danger (Mobileye).
