Christmas is the busiest time of the year when people buy gifts, attend Christmas parties and other functions as well as travel home to spend time with families and friends.
In this special report, our correspondent xrays the dangers associated with reckless driving and ways to reduce road crashes during and after the yuletide.
Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death worldwide. While there are many factors that contribute to road accidents, speed is often cited as a major culprit.
Annually, countless people are injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions, often because of excessive speed. While crashes can occur at any speed, most of these devastating incidents happen at higher rates of speed than many people realize.
Christmas is usually a time of giving, but regrettably, some drivers due to their recklessness and negligence to road signs, have taken away the most precious gift of all – life, thereby leaving families to mourn rather than celebrate.
Poor weather conditions, driving under the influence of alcohol, negligence to car maintenance and signs, stress, making calls while driving, over speeding among others have been identified as root causes of road accidents.
According to research, drivers and riders who are travelling at inappropriate speeds, exceeding the speed limits are more likely to be involved in a collision that will cause more severe injuries to themselves or to other road users.
Commercial and private drivers should ensure their vehicles are safe, well maintained, have good brakes and ensure their vehicle tires are in good condition before setting out on a journey.
Drivers are also enjoined to always wear their seat belts and adhere strictly to common sense speed Iimit by adjusting speed to suit environment, their mental state and experience.
