WHY DO PEOPLE DIE ON THE ROAD WHEN THEY SHOULD BE ENJOYING THEMSELVES???
We are all aware of the statistics that reflect how many people die over the Christmas/New Year holidays; the Easter holidays, the Summer holidays, etc. These are times throughout the year we we get a break from work, and we load up the car with family and friends, and then go out to enjoy ourselves, but some of them end up dead, killed on the road.
If you are like me you may have assumed that an excess of speed was involved; and possibly alcohol or drugs, inattention, distraction by the kids, recklessness, or driving without due care and attention. I have no doubt that in many fatal crashes one or more of these elements were involved. The sad thing is that all of such causes are completely avoidable. This is why such crashes are not accidents. An accident is something that cannot be avoided, and that means they are very rare ocurrences. For instance, I have found myself merrily driving along when suddenly I break out into a fit of violent sneezing. I didn't have a cold or anything that may have indicated I might sneeze. Presumably dust entered my nose causing me to sneeze. When we sneeze we have to close our eyes, and that could cause us to lose control.
That would be an accident.
If a wild animal suddenly darts into the road and we collide with it, that could be classed as an accident, especially if the encounter happened away from an area where wild animals are not usually found and the animal was not the responsibility of anyone. Otherwise, a collision between vehicles generally will be judged the fault of one driver or the other.
THE MOST LIKELY CULPRIT OF FATAL CRASHES:
Driver fatigue!
Typically, when we are on the road during holiday time we take extended journeys. Every driver should stop and rest within two hours of being behind the wheel. Firstly, the designated driver will have abstained from anything that will impair his judgement, including a heavy meal and alcohol and drugs. If the journey is a long one it may be necessary to appoint at least two designated drivers because, especially when driving in heavy traffic, the effect is very tiring. Taking turns driving is much better than one person simply taking a few minutes rest.
You could be the most responsible person on earth, but when fatigue sets in you are simply overwhelmed and the next thing that happens is everyone in the car is dead. Most highways have a rumble strip alongside the righthand of the road. These are for waking the driver up. I have to admit I have been saved by that strip on more than one occasion.
When we are underway the situation in front of us changes so often and so rapidly that we must remain alert. However, the effort to do so can hypnotize us, and that is just as bad as dozing off. So, everyone else in the car may desire a nap, but they too should remain awake to ensure that the driver does not fall asleep.
It's everybody's responsibility to get home safely. Stay awake and stay alert. Your life, and possibly my own, is counting on it!
Copyright (c) 2015 Eugene Carmichael
