Recklessness of young drivers is considered the main cause of the human fatalities on the roads every day.

The highest percentage of deaths occurs among children and young people between the ages of five and twenty-nine.

Nations globally acknowledge the severity of this Issue and have enacted essential laws to reduce the incidence of accidents. Nevertheless, the annual global number of deaths surpasses one million people.

This emphasizes the significance of promoting awareness about traffic safety, which Is one of the most critical factors for human safety. Consequently, individuals should implement measures to protect themselves and avoid road accidents by following accident prevention protocols. Traffic safety means taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents and Injuries for road users, Including car drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. This is crucial, given that traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

According to accurate statistics from the World Health Organization, around 1.3 million people lose their lives annually due to traffic accidents, and between 20 and 50 million others suffer non-fatal injuries. A significant number among them also experience disabilities resulting from these injuries.

Therefore, it is imperative for governments to Implement essential measures systematically, fostering collaboration among various sectors such as the ministry of transportation, the ministry of health, the ministry of education, and police stations. This collaboration is designed to establish a connection between road safety issues, vehicle regulations, and the general well-being of road users.

 

 

Elements of traffic safety:

 

First and foremost: The vehicle.

Referring to the machine that travels on the road. The safety elements in the vehicle includeincludee regular tire checks to confirm their appropriateness in terms of size, quality, speed rating, storage conditions, manufacturing year, and the load it bears.

 

Next: The driver (Human factor).

Referring to the active and driving force in the traffic flow, safety elements in the driver include mental and sensory fitness, complete knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, focus during driving, a sense of responsibility, the use of seat belts, and the availability of personal tools such as prescription glasses, a first aid kit, and an airbag.

 

Lastly: The road.

Referring to the pathway where people walk, road safety Involves the design and engineering of the road; road lighting, removal of natural obstacles, provision of traffic control tools, and the construction of high-quality of road networks.

 

There are numerous safety tips for road safety, Including important guidelines for the safety of motorists:

• Adhering to traffic laws and complying with regulations while operating a vehicle.
• Allowing pedestrians to cross safely.
• Regularly maintaining the vehicle to prevent breakdowns on the road.
• Abstaining from driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Conducting a pre-departure assessment of road conditions.
• Avoiding the use of mobile phones during driving.
• Ensuring the security and integrity of the vehicle.
• Avoiding distractions.
• Refraining from consuming foods and beverages that reduce concentration.
• Moderating the speed of the vehicle when entering a main road or Intersection.

 

Important tips for cyclists:

• Avoiding maneuvering between vehicles.
• staying strictly to designated lanes.
• Coming to a complete stop at every stop sign Indicating the need to halt.
• Not exceeding the designated speed limits.
• Following traffic signals and directional road signs.
• Wearing a high-specification helmet to protect the head in case of injury.

 

Important safety tips for pedestrians include:

• Understanding the proper way to cross the road.
• Remaining attentive to vehicle sounds and monitoring traffic movement.
• Utilizing designated crosswalks when crossing the road.
• Recognizing the importance of utilizing sidewalks.
• observing traffic signals, particularly traffic lights, Is essential for safe navigation on the road.

These guidelines contribute to fostering pedestrian safety and ensuring responsible road behavior.

 

The broad concept of traffic safety holds immense significance, aiming to embrace comprehensive plans, traffic-oriented programs, and preventative measures that aims to minimize accident occurrences and safeguard both lives and public properties, to contribute the overall security of a nation’s human and economic assets.

 

International organizations have actively championed the elevation of road safety as a top priority on political agendas. This involves establishing standards and guidelines based on scientific evidence, encouraging governments to formulate and implement supportive policies for enhancing road safety. Effective action requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including academic institutions and civil society. In addition, they have endeavored to encourage nations to continue their dedication to road safety by consistently evaluating progress and providing regular updates on their developments.

 

The ongoing technological advancements have significantly contributed to a decline in road accidents. This progress Involves integrating cutting-edge features into vehicles, deploying advanced cameras in conjunction with visionary technologies, and optimizing emergency services to expedite medical assistance. Furthermore, efforts include monitoring driver behavior and incorporating eye-catching informational displays on prominent screens.

 

Moreover, injuries resulting from traffic accidents stand as a leading cause of loss among individuals aged 5 to 29. There is a higher probability of males being involved in such Incidents compared to females, with nearly three-quarters of fatalities, amounting to 73%, occurring among young males under 25 years old.

 

The perilous nature of passengers facing a potential fatality sharply rises to 85% when involved in a side-impact collision with another vehicle at a speed of 65 km/h.

 

It is noteworthy that 90% of road traffic fatalities transpire in countries categorized as low and middle-income, with the highest rates of fatalities resulting from traffic injuries observed In the African region, and the lowest rates in the European region, which comprises high-income countries.

 

The latest World Health Organization report on road safety, released in 2023, reveals that the number of road traffic-related fatalities has decreased by 5% since 2010, reaching 1.19 million.

 

Despite this decline, the grim reality persists: more than two people still lose their lives every minute due to road accidents. Pedestrians and road users face an increasing risk of fatality, with nine out of ten deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.

 

The discourse on traffic culture holds paramount importance in cultivating awareness and reducing fatality and Injury rates resulting from road accidents. that can be achieved through the implementation of traffic safety strategies, addressing accidents that impact human lives as a shared responsibility across various sectors and societal segments. Furthermore, there should be a heightened activation of the media’s role to foster a traffic culture, to contribute the prevention of the negative effects of road accidents. Integrating traffic culture in educational curricula from early grades Is essential, making it an Integral part of students’ cultural upbringing. As a result, the Lack of sufficient knowledge in traffic safety factors leads to non-compliance with its rules and having knowledge about traffic safety Is a fundamental factor in reducing traffic accident rates.

 

Author: Ghadeer Ramadan

Translator: Aya Ghawanmeh