UNDERSTANDING ROAD SAFETY:
THE TEN BASIC RULES OF DRIVING
ROAD safety is very important for all of us. Road safety is the concern of every person on the road for the safety of all of us. Obeying traffic rules is very important for road safety. It is very important for every driver to follow the traffic guidelines for safety and get to observe the Ten (10) Basic Rules of Driving.
As lead road safety institution, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) ensures safety, emphasizes on safe driving and regulates road user behavior in the country. The RTSA in consultation with other road safety stakeholders has put in place a detailed publication, the Zambian Highway Code whose legality and authority is drawn from section 231 of the Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002.
The Highway Code groups the ten (10) basic rules of driving and advice according to the type of road users and vehicles. The Highway Code is basically a set of rules, guidance, advice and information for road users to follow by law.
This week, we highlight the importance of road safety with particular focus on understanding and following traffic guidelines for safety and get to observe the Ten (10) Basic Rules of Driving.
Ten (10) Basic Rules of Driving
These are the most important rules of driving in Zambia. Here are the 10 golden rules of driving:
1. KNOW THE HIGHWAY CODE VERY WELL AND PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
The Highway Code is the road user's guide and by keeping to the rules you will contribute to keeping our roads safe and more pleasant for all.
2. CONCENTRATE ALL THE TIME ON YOUR DRIVING TO AVOID CRASHES
It is often the smallest detail that gives the clue to what will probably happen.
3. INTERPRET THE TRAFFIC SITUATION CORRECTLY BEFORE YOU ACT
Every traffic situation is unique, therefore, a driver should be able to interpret it correctly before making any maneuver.
4. EXERCISE PATIENCE AND 'HANG BACK' WHEN NECESSARY
To 'hang back' is to follow at a safe distance the vehicle ahead which you eventually intend to overtake when the road is clear. When in doubt, 'hang back'.
5.
DRIVE WITH CARE AND GIVE COURTESY TO OTHER ROAD USERS
Good driving continually calls for the making of quick and correct decisions, all of which must be carried out with care, especially when overtaking.
Be considerate to other road users.
6.
ADAPT YOUR SPEED ACCORDING TO
ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND NEVER EXCEED SPEED LIMITS
It is not always safe to drive at the highest speed allowed, even though the law permits you to do so. In some cases, such a speed is dangerous. Only unwise persons can drive fast enough to be dangerous.
7. DEVELOP YOUR CAR SENSE AND REDUCE WEAR AND TEAR
Car sense is the ability to get the best out of your car; it entails smooth and thoughtful operation of the controls with hands and feet. This can only be reached if the operations are carried out in good time. Car sense adds to your safety.
8. USE YOUR HORN CONSIDERATELY AND GIVE PROPER SIGNALS
Use the horn to give warning only. Use the signals given in the Highway Code. An incorrect signal is misleading and always dangerous.
9.
BE SURE YOUR CAR IS ROADWORTHY AND KNOW ITS LIMITATIONS
Before driving any vehicle, get to know its capabilities and limitations.
10.ERFECT YOUR ROADCRAFT AND ACKNOWLEDGE COURTESIES SHOWN TO YOU BY OTHER ROAD USERS
The Highway Code urges all to be courteous, but a good driver goes further and acknowledges the courtesies shown to him by every other road user
Some important traffic guidelines for road safety
1. Make significant use of stop signs, traffic lights, crosswalks, and where all vehicle traffic is visible. 2. Stop at the sidewalk (if available) while walking. If there are not enough sidewalks, you should always walk on the right side against the traffic so it is also very important that you see motorists approaching to avoid accidents.
3. Do not use cellphones or other distracting gadgets while you are walking or driving.
4. You should always be careful to turn the vehicles, do not cross the vehicle without stopping all the traffic after the red light is on, this can prevent many accidents 5. When going to places where there is no signal, always go one way at a time on the road. Only go to the next lane when it is safe to do so.
6. If you are crossing a crosswalk, look right again, left, and then all around for traffic. As you cross the road, never assume that a vehicle will stop for you.
7. Always keep a safe distance from oncoming vehicles on the road. This is because if the next vehicle brakes and the vehicle stops suddenly, you will have enough time to stop. 8. You must first ensure that you do not park your vehicle in such a way as to cause obstruction or inconvenience to any other vehicle or road users.
9. When you are driving on the road you should be in the position of a driving license.
10. You need to be aware of road safety rules, such as speed limits, one-way lanes, etc., when you drive.
Call to action
According to Zambia’s Road Safety Status report 2020, more than eighty percent of the road crashes are due to the fault of the drivers. Driving at high speed, using a mobile phone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, violating traffic rules, overtaking incorrectly are the main reasons for drivers to have an accident.
To address the latter, the need for road safety is very important to all road users. We must all therefore strictly adhere to the guidelines, rules and regulations for road safety. This will greatly increase road safety. Road safety can always prevent a road crash and safe lives.