You can minimise single vehicle accidents

Last week, there were numerous tragic accidents. It reminded us that we should keep alert at all times to remain safe on road. While there was the Mabira accident involving a PSV with a cement truck, most of the others were single vehicle accidents; starting with the one involving Brian.

I went to Naguru junk yard with the desire of seeing the accident vehicle involving Brian, but found it had been taken away. The questions that I wanted answered included:

I. What type of tyres did the vehicle have

II. Year of manufacture of the tyres

III. How much pressure in those tyres that did not burst

IV. The volume of the radio

V. The status of the a/c

VI. The position of the window glasses

When investigating a single vehicle accident these are very important pointers. In the report by the police publicist it was stated that both rear tyres blew up. According to the number plate, the vehicle was recently registered. Could it still have been using the tyres it was imported with? Were they not winter tyres? The amount of pressure in the tyres can also make vehicle handling a problem. The tyres may also have good grooves but how old were they?

Considering the time of day when the accident happened, it was clear these people had left for Kampala early. Driving with the heater on for long periods in the early hours normally causes drowsiness especially if you had not had enough rest in the preceding period. This normally goes in line with the windows up.

When on a driving task, there are a lot of things to think about: road condition, speed, traffic laws, signs, being aware of the vehicles around you, checking mirrors, being focused. Distractions make a driver less able to see potential hazards and react to them properly and in time.

Being alert (not sleepy or under influence) gives you time to react quickly to potential hazards like when the driver ahead of you suddenly slams his foot on the brake pedal. Alcohol and drugs (including prescription and over the counter drugs) affect a driver’s reaction time and judgment. Driving while drowsy has the same effect and is one of the leading causes of road accidents.

Defensive driving should be the way to go, be ready for whatever happens. Be ready to take action and not put your fate in the hands of other drivers. Remember most accidents are because of driver error.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a vehicle in your vicinity shows signs of aggressiveness, slow down or even pull over to avoid a possible accident. While it is important to be considerate to all other road users, do not assume that another driver will move out of your way or allow you to merge. Assume that that other driver will drive through a red light or stop sign and be prepared to react. Plan your movements anticipating the worst case scenario.

In all driving situations the best way to avoid potential dangers is to position your vehicle where you have the best chance of seeing and being seen. Having an alternate path of travel is essential, so take the position of other vehicles into consideration when determining an alternate path of travel.

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The standard of knowledge
written by Ojwang Laula, December 08, 2009

This is a fantastic article.And I agree with all that's been said but also I wish there should have been something about the knowledge of administrators at the ministry of roads about if they are capable of making laws that can make roads in Uganda safe.What are their qualifications,how many are they,are they over worked,there are so many countries they can copy from when it comes to road safety.How do they teach people about how to drive and behave in such a manner that they don´t put their lifes at risk.Do they make it easier for people to report drunk drivers or overloaded taxis or busses or even better are people aware that they can do all these things?