Road safety

Asilent killer. Road traffic accidents, like hypertension, have been called “the silent killer,” after hypertension. Consider these: If a B747 jet crashed, killing 400 people instantly, there would be international media attention. If 10 planes crashed in one week killing 4,000, there would be an international outcry. If 1,000 planes crashed in one year (killing 400,000), there would surely be a boycott of the airline industry. Yet, road traffic accidents leave about 1 million people dead every year – the equivalent of 2,500 planes crashing in one year. No one notices or cares because it happens one or two at a time.

In the Philippines. The motorist anarchy on our roads makes it easy to understand why accidents rank 6th in mortality and morbidity figures (DOH). This grouping includes vehicle-related crashes that impact the driver, passenger(s), and pedestrian(s). The sinking feeling is that vehicular accidents are probably under-reported. Indeed, how is it possible not to get hit when, for the strangest reason, jeepneys drive around without headlights at night and tricycles race on major highways. Buses on EDSA swerve so wildly in your direction that your whole life flashes before you. And yes, everyone believes that the yellow traffic light is the signal to beat the red! The WHO reports that 1.25 million die from road traffic crashes each year. Now included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the goal of reducing by half the global number of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2020.

Risk Factors Influencing a

Crash. Some of these are so obvious that they don’t need spelling out. But just one look shows how vulnerable all of us are the moment we step out the door. On the other hand, some of us find ourselves reading our own profile as perpetrators:

• Inappropriate and excessive speed.

• Presence of alcohol and other drugs. • Fatigue. • Being young and male. • Traveling in darkness. • Poor vehicle design. • Road design, layout and maintenance defects.

• Inadequate visibility due to weather conditions.

• Poor eyesight.

What Can be Done Now? Safety on the road must begin with the individual. There’s no logic in blaming government or the MMDA if we cannot, on our own, accept some responsibility for keeping our roads a little safer. Stating the obvious: • Mandatory use of seat belts. • Helmet use for motorcyclists and passengers.

• Strict use of pedestrian lanes and crossing bridges.

• Regular vehicle inspection and tune-up.

• Absolutely no cellphone use – calling or texting or gaming – while driving.

• Defensive driving.