Road terror

Just one week ago, we woke up to the ghastly headline that 17 people had been killed in road accidents in a 24-hour period in various parts of the island. This is said to be a 'record' (though no one can be proud of) in recent times, though a few people die almost every day on our deadly roads.

The police have cited several reasons for this alarming situation. Among them are carelessness of motorists and pedestrians, high speed driving, drunk driving, not obeying road rules and signals, sleepiness and the bad mechanical condition of some vehicles. Some accidents are also caused by inexperienced drivers.

Some accidents may be inevitable, but the truth is that 90 percent of accidents can be avoided if drivers (and cyclists and pedestrians) obey road rules and maintain road discipline. Each driver must be very careful on our roads, because not many adhere to road rules. If more drivers drive carefully, there would be fewer accidents.

We have heard the common refrain 'speed kills' and in this case, it happens to be true. Speed limits are imposed for a reason and sometimes even if a speed limit is not specified a driver should gauge a safe speed according to traffic, road and weather conditions. Drivers should be even more careful at night or in heavy rain when visibility is drastically reduced. Even the latest high intensity light systems cannot compensate for daylight.

Some drivers get complacent on so-called familiar roads, the ones they use almost every day. But unexpected things or events (roadworks, accidents) can change the situation. It is thus advisable to keep your eyes open and reflexes sharp even on a familiar road stretch.

Drunk driving

There should be no excuse whatsoever for drunk driving. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) reduces one's attention levels and dulls the senses. It is very easy to make a fatal mistake in a DUI situation.

There are motorists who think they handle a glass or two (and indeed there is a tolerable blood alcohol limit for the purpose of driving or operating machinery), but that is not a very good approach. If you are drunk, get another (sober) person to drive or call a three wheeler or cab. That may save a life (it can be your own) - not just your licence. The contempt with which some drivers treat road signs is simply astonishing. The simple fact is that many drivers do not even know what they stand for. Drivers should study the Highway Code occasionally to refresh their memory on this score. (Keep one in your glove box).

If a road sign indicates a dangerous bend and if you take action in time to prepare for it, that alone is enough to prevent an accident. Similarly, it is essential to obey traffic signals.

Many motorists are in the habit of squeezing through the amber light just before the red comes on, but this is a highly dangerous practice. After all, what if the driver on the other side drives on regardless ? It is far better to slow a bit if you see green for a long time, because then you can stop when the amber comes on. It is also common knowledge that one should not drive when sleepy or tired. If you must continue the journey and if no other person is available to drive, the best thing to do is to stop and have 40 winks.

If possible, have a cup of tea or coffee and refresh yourself. This cannot be done on the Southern Expressway (and on any future expressway for that matter) - so you must be in prime condition before entering the toll gate.

Mechanical condition

The last factor I have mentioned is perhaps the most important, the most critical.

The mechanical condition of one's vehicle is a very significant factor. The annual emissions test measures only a particular aspect of a vehicle's condition.

There are many other parameters which should be taken into account. However, the authorities cannot be expected to perform all these tests on every vehicle, though certain heavy vehicles are expected to undergo roadworthiness tests. This is why it is imperative for all owners, drivers and fleet operators to regularly service/repair their vehicles and maintain checks on especially the brakes and brake oil, tyre pressure (including the spare), lights, wipers, gearbox, mirrors, horn, engine oil, coolant, fuel levels and battery. Hybrid car owners must also have a good idea about the performance of their hybrid battery as well.

For example, in a critical situation, a car with top-notch brakes can be expected to perform better than one with jaded brake pads and discs. The recent incident in which a van burst into flames killing four occupants is another case in point. The driver had apparently attempted to run a fuel line from a can inside the van. I have seen this type of contraption in several old cars and vans, which should clearly not be on our roads. The police must conduct spot checks on rickety cars, vans and lorries to look for such deficiencies. There is a vigorous debate on the recent detection of a disabled driver who had been transporting schoolchildren for several years without causing or being involved in any accident.

This seems to be a stroke of luck on the part of the driver as well as the children.

Unfortunately for drivers like him, there is no provision in this country for having vehicles modified for disabled persons. Such vehicles are common in countries such as the UK, Australia and Japan. These countries do have stringent conditions and standards on vehicles thus modified and the differently abled drivers often have to undergo a separate driving test after months of rigorous training overseen by an occupational therapist. Barring visual impairment, it may not be always fair to keep the disabled away from (suitably modified) vehicles, depending, of course, on the level of the disability. It is time the RMV and other relevant authorities studied how this process is handled in other countries and whether such laws can be applied here after suitable amendments. Indeed, they should consider tightening road laws and strictly implementing existing ones to make our roads safer for all.