Transport and Travel Safety
There are an increasing amount of fatal accidents when traveling in cars, buses, trains and as pedestrians. This article gives you insight as to how to prevent these accidents from happening. This article is vital for both parents and children.
Every year thousands of adults and children die on South African roads. This is tragic as each casualty is one too many. It is vital that all drivers obey the rules of the road and drive safely. Did you know that pedestrians and cyclists also have to adhere to traffic and rules? You can do YOUR bit to ensure South Africa has safe transport and responsible pedestrians. It is very important to know how to cross roads safely, be visible to all motorists at all times and be a good passenger. Remember that Knowledge is Power!
Taxis and Cars
You should refuse to travel if the driver drives too fast, drinks and drives, drives an unroadworthy vehicle or overloads the car. Rather wait for the next lift or ask someone to use their cellphone to help you arrange alternative transport.
As a passenger in a car you have the responsibility to fasten your seatbelt, sit still and not distract the driver, do not stick your limbs out the window and to wait for the vehicle to stop before disembarking.
Buses
Make sure that you do not have a loose belt, or clothing that can get entangles with the doors or railings. You must be at the bus sign on time, and do not play in the road when waiting for the bus.
Ensure that you wait till the bus is stationary before getting on or off the bus. When you are on the bus make sure you do not dangle your limbs out the window. Make sure you know where the emergency exit is. Never stand directly in front or behind a bus.
Trains
A train weighs a few hundred tons and therefore cannot stop quickly, so it is very dangerous to play near a train or by the railway tracks. The game of train surfing has become very popular in South Africa in recent years. Youngsters cling to the sides of moving trains. This is a deadly game and has resulted in a number of deaths and gruesome injuries.
It is unfortunate that there is much crime on South African trains, so you have to make sure that the train you take is safe and that you travel with a group of people you know and trust. Make sure that an adult always knows when your train departs and that someone expects you at your destination. You can ask others already using the train about the service and whether it is safe.
Bicycle
You must ensure that your bicycle is in good working order. You must wear bright colours to make it easy for motorists to see you. It is vital that you wear a helmet to protect your head, and you should ride behind, not beside fellow cyclists. You must always keep to the left, and stop at stop streets and red traffic lights. Use hand signals when turning, and ensure that you stay alert to what is happening around you (look over your shoulder from time to time).
Pedestrians
Pedestrians have certain responsibilities. You must walk on the pavement, not in the road. Leave room for others on the pavement so they are not forces to walk on the road to pass you. Where there is no pavement you should walk on the right hand side of the road so you can immediately see oncoming vehicles.
To cross the road you must look right, left and right again for oncoming traffic. If there is no oncoming traffic cross the road but stay cautious and keep listening or oncoming traffic. Cross the road quickly but do not run because it increases the risk of falling and also makes you less observant. Cross in a straight line because it is the shortest route, so do not cross at an angle. The safest option is crossing at a zebra crossing or traffic lights- cross when you see the green man. You must cross National Roads at the overhead pedestrian bridges. Never cross a road in front of or behind a vehicle. You must make eye contact with motorists before crossing the road so you know they have seen you. Remember to check for cars at entrances and exits, as well as driveways. Wear bright colours to make it easier for motorists to see you and thus reduces your risk of being run over.
TIP – If you want to cross a busy road it is best to use crossings and traffic lights. There is a button at the pedestrian crossing, you must press this button and it will take a while for the light to turn red for cars. A green man will appear and that means it is safe for you to cross.
To find out more
Go to www.oli.org for more information about safety on trains.
SA road safety campaign Arrive Alive has lots of advice and tips on road safety. www.arrivealive.co.za
[You Magazine 1 October 2009]
