Mpho Ralefatane 
Road safety involves the
prevention of accidents and the protection of individuals through the use of
various road safety measures. It aims to ensure the safety of all road users, including
pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, drivers, and other vehicle operators.
Practicing road safety measures is essential for everyone throughout life. We
should all respect one another while driving or walking on the road and take
care of our safety.
The safety of people on
the road is crucial in avoiding accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The
importance of road safety is evident when looking at national statistics on
accidents and deaths. Almost 42% of cases involve pedestrians and one-way road
users. Following all road safety measures greatly helps to mitigate road
hazards. Some effective road safety practices include basic awareness of
vehicles, defensive driving according to weather and road conditions, using
vehicle lights and horns, wearing seat belts, properly using mirrors, avoiding
speeding, understanding road signals, and maintaining a safe distance between
vehicles on the road.
Here are
some essential road safety tips to keep in mind:
For Drivers:
Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while
driving.
Obey Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your
speed according to road conditions.
Use Turn Signals: Indicate your intentions to other drivers well in
advance.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the
vehicle in front of you.
Never Drink and Drive: Avoid alcohol and drugs before getting behind the
wheel.
Use Crosswalks: Always cross streets at
designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.
Look Both Ways: Before crossing, look left,
right, and then left again.
Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing,
especially at night.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and avoid using
your phone while walking near traffic.
Avoid roads when intoxicated.
Always face oncoming traffic when walking on
the road.
Do not assume that drivers will always see you;
always stay alert.
For Cyclists and
Motorcyclists:
Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted
helmet to protect your head.
Follow Traffic Rules: Obey the same traffic
signals and signs as vehicles.
Use Bike Lanes: Whenever possible, use
designated bike lanes for safety.
Be Predictable: Signal your turns and maintain
a straight line while riding.
Ensure that your bicycle is fitted with
reflective lights at the front and rear for visibility.
General Tips:
Check Your Vehicle: Regularly maintain your
vehicle to ensure it’s in safe working order (brakes, lights, tires).
Be Aware of Weather Conditions: Adjust your
driving for rain, snow, fog, or other adverse conditions.
Stay Calm in Traffic: Practice patience and
avoid aggressive driving behaviours.
Distracted Driving:
Distracted
driving is defined as any activity that takes your attention and focus away
from driving. It can be sorted into three categories.
 Visual Distractions:

 
Anything that takes your eyes off the road.

 
Examples: Checking your phone, adjusting the radio, reaching for
     items, or turning to talk to passengers.
 Cognitive Distractions:

 
When your mind wanders away from driving.

 
Examples: Daydreaming, thinking about personal matters, or being
     preoccupied with work or family.
 Manual Distractions:

 
Taking your hands off the wheel or your feet off the pedals.

 
Examples: Adjusting controls, reaching for items, or interacting
     with backseat passengers.
Following
these tips can help create a safer road environment for everyone! Safety starts
with you, Be Alert!!!
For Pedestrians:
          •         Use Crosswalks: Always cross streets at
designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.
          •         Look Both Ways: Before crossing, look
left, right, and then left again.
          •         Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective
clothing, especially at night.
          •         Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and
avoid using your phone while walking near traffic.
          •         Avoid roads when intoxicated.
          •         Always face oncoming traffic when
walking on the road.
          •         Do not assume that drivers will always
see you; always stay alert.
For Cyclists and Motorcyclists:
•         Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly
fitted helmet to protect your head.
•         Follow Traffic Rules: Obey the same
traffic signals and signs as vehicles.
•         Use Bike Lanes: Whenever possible, use
designated bike lanes for safety.
•         Be Predictable: Signal your turns and
maintain a straight line while riding.
•         Ensure that your bicycle is fitted with
reflective lights at the front and rear for visibility.
General Tips:
•         Check Your Vehicle: Regularly maintain
your vehicle to ensure it’s in safe working order (brakes, lights, tires).
•         Be Aware of Weather Conditions: Adjust
your driving for rain, snow, fog, or other adverse conditions.
•         Stay Calm in Traffic: Practice patience
and avoid aggressive driving behaviours.
Distracted Driving:   Distracted
driving is defined as any activity that takes your attention and focus away
from driving. 
 It can be classified into three categories:
          •         Visual Distractions:
          •         Anything that takes your eyes off the
road.
          •         Examples: Checking your phone,
adjusting the radio, reaching for items, or turning to talk to passengers.
          •         Cognitive Distractions:
          •         When your mind wanders away from
driving.
          •         Examples: Daydreaming, thinking about
personal matters, or being preoccupied with work or family.
          •         Manual Distractions:
          •         Taking your hands off the wheel or your
feet off the pedals.
          •         Examples: Adjusting controls, reaching
for items, or interacting with backseat passengers.