Road Etiquette
-We Share The Road
Every day, we're exposed to news of road accidents and some lacks of road etiquette by drivers. Even during festive seasons, there is news of accidents despite various awareness campaigns to educate drivers on road safety, driving etiquette etc.
According to research, 25 percent of all driving accidents are the result of excessive speed and 70 percent of driving accidents occur within 25 miles of the driver’s home. What makes a car safe? Does price indicate safety? Do manufacturers’ claims make their cars the safest? Is a safe car one made with the most advanced technology in the factory in Germany, Sweden or Japan?
The answer is NO. It's not the car that determines safety. It's you, the DRIVER !
Let's check some of the tips on road etiquette that could help prevent the accident:
1. Watch your speed limit.
• It is important that you always obey the speed limit. If you are on the highway, the speed limit is 110km/hr in Malaysia. The limit is, of course, different based on road conditions and location, such as in town or rural areas.
2. Stick to your lane, do not move unnecessarily from lane to lane.
• Always ensure that you are in the correct lane, and never try to move to another lane without signaling. Be alert to changing conditions. Always be aware of your surroundings: The traffic lights, the zebra crossing, the ‘NO Entry’ signs, the ‘U Turn,’ ‘No U Turn,’ etc. The signals are not meant for display purposes only—all of the signals were placed for a reason.
3. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel.
• Driving with just one hand can cause you to easily lose your balance if an emergency situation arises. It is equally dangerous to drive with one hand during a heavy downpour, as it is slippery and easy to lose control.
4. If you get tired, take a break!
• Don’t put others at risk. If you do not feel alert enough to drive safely, you should not be on the road. Remember, We Share the Road with many other people.
5. Focus on the road, not your cellular phone, SMS, or other device in the car
• Don't use a cell phone, put on make-up, comb your hair, or eat while driving. Drivers using cellular phones are four times more likely to have an accident than other drivers. Many accidents happen because the driver is reading or replying to SMS. Always find a safe place to stop if you must reply to an SMS immediately.
6. Don't Ever Drink and Drive
• Never let your party or night out ruin others’ lives. If you’ve been drinking, do not get behind the wheel and put yourself and others at risk. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows response time, making it impossible for you to be a safe driver. It is proven that the drunken driver causes a disproportionate number of road incidents, injuries, and fatalities.
You can help prevent accidents from happening just by changing your attitude and recognizing that safety and accident prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
A negative attitude is a destructive one !.