The roads that paved the way for the advent of the human civilizations are 6000 years old. Yet, we are still not completely accustomed to them over all these years. There are roughly 65 million miles of roads on Earth and the number is continuously increasing. The massive surge in the population of cars and drivers on roads is now causing major problems. As approximately 1.35 million people die each year in road accidents. Most of these accidents are preventable. Let’s take a look at the causes of these accidents to understand the problems and learn how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
Some of the Major Causes of Road Accidents
We can classify the leading causes of road accidents into two distinct groupings; The first one being the infrastructural issues which are the responsibility of the state. The second is the individual errors that can disrupt traffic and cause accidents. If you’re unfortunately involved in an accident caused by another’s mistake, make sure to seek the help of a professional like the Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyers that will assist you in your time of need.
Management Issues
Inadequate Management and Road Infrastructure
Roads are the central feature of transportation and communication infrastructures of a country. However, low- and middle-income countries do not put enough resources on the construction and maintenance of roads. Thus, the poor driving conditions they provide cause excessive fatal accidents.
Traffic Laws and Enforcement issues
The absence of law creates chaos and confusion which in its own can be harmful to the society. Outdated and insufficient traffic laws create many problems, though even the safest and most modern laws, if not enforced, are useless.
Inferior Quality Vehicles
It is the governing body’s responsibility to check and maintain the quality of vehicles that enter the public roads. Failure of vehicle Quality Control leads to unsafe vehicles that breakdown in the middle of roads, disrupting traffic and causing accidents.
Illiteracy of Road User
How can the public follow the law if they are not aware of it? Jaywalking is a suitable example that causes many fatal accidents in developing countries. The traffic law enforcement institution should run campaigns to raise awareness and literate the general public of the traffic laws and road ethics.
Distractive Advertisement
Distraction while driving is a leading cause of road collisions. All governments should implement the ban of distractive roadside advertisements that may cause accidents, especially at night.
Poor Post-crash care
The increasing number of fatalities caused by road accidents in poor countries is also due to the sometimes inept, and mostly over-burdened first aid and rescue services.
Individual Errors
Untrained Driver
Untrained and illegal (underage or overage) drivers are the major reason for traffic accidents and casualties in poor and developing nations.
Distraction of Driver
This is the number one cause of car accidents across the globe. Distractions can come in any form; from daydreaming to using mobile devices while driving, a distracted driver is the most dangerous person on a road.
Speeding
This is a no-brainer, according to a report, speeding was the cause of 26% road accidents in 2018, killing on average over 25 people a day.
Rash Driving
Aggressive driving and road rage causes a monstrous 66% of road fatalities.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, fog, and dust storms can cause poor visibility and traction loss, leading to accidents. It is better to stop at a safe place until the weather clears.
Vehicle Breakdown
Humans are not always at the mistake, sometimes the machines breakdown and cause problems for us.
Driving Under Influence
It is a criminal offense to drive under the influence of intoxicants worldwide, but still irresponsible people around the globe put their life, and life of others in danger by doing so.
Wildlife
Wildlife crossings on country roads can be troublesome for inexperienced and non-native drivers.
