Behind the wheels of a nodding driver.

My boyfriend and I were heading home from another get-together in December 2016 with friends when the unexpected happened. As we were driving home we began to feel extremely drowsy. We were both out last night and we spent earlier that day busy at work. Then we rushed from work to the grocery store to get items to prepare for a bon voyage party for one of my girlfriends, who was relocating to start her new job at the time. We tried to keep alert as we head back home by opening the windows to get fresh air and blasting the volume on the radio but nothing seemed to work. We were adamant that we weren’t going to stop at the rest stop and that we can make it home. I had lost the battle to stay awake and sleep ruled as a champion for me. Suddenly thereafter, my boyfriend’s eyes started to droop shut, and before you knew it, he had fallen asleep around the wheels. The car swerved to the side and collided with a passenger bus traveling in the opposite direction. I was awoken by a loud explosion as they collided. I instantly looked at my boyfriend, whose face was filled with grief. I could sense that his heart had sunk when he realized his brand new car was wrecked and disabled in the car accident. He quickly regained his senses and grasp the reality that he had put not only himself but also his girlfriend and the passengers on the bus in danger. Thankfully there were no injuries except for emotional trauma, for which my boyfriend tried his best to reassure and apologize to the passengers of the bus for the incident. My boyfriend and I were filled with remorse and guilt for what had happened.

The accident was a wake-up call for my boyfriend and me, and since then we have never taken our responsibility as a driver lightly again. We now know how dangerous it is to be driving when extremely tired and we would never want a repeat of that night ever in our lives. Since then road safety has been of utmost to us thus we are keen on being better and safer drivers. We encourage others to do the same and lead by example. We have always followed the traffic rules and regulations and we correct our friends and family members who do otherwise. We share with them videos via various social media platforms promoting safe driving practices and tips as well as road fatalities as a result of dangerous driving. When driving we look out for the speed limit and drive within the range, we observe and obey the signs and traffic lights and use the appropriate signals when changing lanes or turning. We avoid using our phones, eating, or grooming while driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol is an absolute no-no and we have zero tolerance from others regarding the same. When we are out partying we have a designated driver that night, who will not drink alcohol. We are never hesitant to speak up and politely remind others of the importance of safe driving and urge them to change their reckless driving, driving without a seat belt, texting and driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Road safety also involves the state of the vehicle, so we maintain a regular routine and preventative servicing of our vehicles. Before driving the tires are checked routinely in order to keep our cars in a roadworthy condition. While driving one has to be aware of their surroundings in terms of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, road hazards, and road conditions. In addition, adjust your driving speed and drive cautiously in accordance with the road and weather conditions.

At least once, while traversing the roadways, we all have either experienced, witnessed, or passed a motor vehicle accident. Majority of the road accidents are due to either driver error or lack of knowledge. Thus, it is essential that driver education is emphasized in order to reduce road fatalities. Driver education aids in developing good driving habits which are required to be responsible drivers. Learning the rules of the road, the importance of following traffic laws, and safe driving practices are paramount to having excellent driver education. Overall, this will improve decision-making skills and strengthen their defensive driving skills. Defensive driving teaches one how to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road and how to make informed decisions when faced with difficult situations while driving. With increased awareness of unsafe driving practices notably speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Learners should be educated on the sequel of such unsafe driving practices, which include bodily injury, death, legal penalties, and increased insurance premiums. The more driver education learners receive, it develops a sense of responsibility and respect for other road users and it encourages drivers to take responsibility for their actions when driving. Road accidents are a major public health concern and by investing in driver education, we can create safer roads for everyone.

Increasing driver education is one strategy to decrease road fatalities. The implementation and strong enforcement of traffic laws through increased police patrols, speed cameras, and sobriety checkpoints can deter risky driving behaviors and reduce fatalities. Improving road infrastructure provides safer driving conditions for all road users. Increasing public awareness of the use of safety equipment such as seat belts and helmets will support road safety. Another important strategy is to improve vehicle safety by introducing regulations that require vehicle manufacturers to develop safer vehicle technologies such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning just to name a few. Promote safe driving behavior by implementing incentives for safe driving such as reduced insurance premiums for drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits. Improve emergency response time and increase emergency services personnel in order to reduce the likelihood of fatalities and serious injuries from road accidents. Governments should develop and implement comprehensive road safety policies that encompass the needs of all road users, especially pedestrians, and cyclists. Ultimately a comprehensive approach is required to reduce road fatalities and it involves not only the government but also the automotive industry, and the public. All stakeholders must be onboard to create safer roads for all.