Topic: Road Accidents-A global concern

Road accidents have been and will continue to be one of the greatest health hazards unless
stringent policies and actions are taken to minimize the toll around the globe. Statistically, it
has been shown that the number of death and injuries due to road accidents has increased
steadily and is a great concern leading to loss of lives, disabilities and forever separation and
sufferings for families. Thus, this essay will discuss the factors contributing to road accidents,
and offer potential solutions to combat road fatalities.
There are many causes of road accidents but, the most important factor is irresponsible
drivers. Drivers who do not follow the rules of the road can be putting themselves and others
at risk. For example, drivers who exceed the speed limit will have a more difficult time
stopping or turning if something, such as an animal, crosses their path. Approximately 1.35
million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Therefore, drivers must at all
times, abide by the safety regulations to avoid road mishaps.
In addition, another cause of car accident is driving under alcohol or drug consumption.
A driver’s ability to drive a car is seriously lessened when he or she is under the influence of
alcohol leading to road mishaps. Driving while under the influence of drugs is also
dangerous. For example, drugs such as LSD can cause visual hallucinations, and drivers may
swerve recklessly. These actions can lead to serious injuries or even death. Therefore, drivers
should completely refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol to save lives on the
road.
Furthermore, Distracted drivers are another cause of car accident. For example, people
who talk on their cell phone while driving are limiting their abilities. Drivers who work on
laptops, put on makeup, and do other activities also result in head on collisions and fatalities.
Hence, drivers should wait until they have reached their destination to perform other tasks, as
such activities often lead to accidents.
On the other hand, wearing Safety Gears like seat belts and helmets can reduce risk of
accidents. Proven studies have shown that wearing seat belts and helmet reduce the severity
of injury during accidents. Governments should establish bodies that oversee the overall set
up policies like the National Road Safety Committee that aim to minimize car accidents.
Hence, one should use safety gears of prescribed standard for optimum safety.

Similarly incorporating safety control measures in the school curriculum such as in

Australia and New Zealand curriculum in the primary school level will reduce road tolls. A
great deal will be reached in instilling safety measures to the younger generation so that they
can acquire discipline of road safety measures right from initial stages of their lives to
adulthood. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults
aged 5-29 years. Therefore, creating awareness and education at an earlier stage can save
thousands of lives.

Finally, without any doubt road accidents are a global concern where three of the most
significant causes are irresponsible drivers, distracted drivers, and driving under the influence
of alcohol. However, Road safety is a shared responsibility and. strong public awareness
campaigns are essential to raise understanding of the issue and motivate individual and
governments to take action, comply with existing laws and introduce and/or amend laws that
do not exist or are ineffective.