Should Drivers Overtake At Night?

Driving at night generally is hazardous due to poor visibility. Drivers driving at night can overtake, but they should do so with extra care so as to avoid road traffic accident.
It is not easy as a driver driving at night to determine the speed at which the oncoming vehicle is travelling, this makes it difficult for the driver to take decision on whether to overtake or not.
However, the beam of light from the oncoming vehicle can help the driver determine the distance of the vehicle and judge if it is safe to overtake or not.
Overtaking at night is easier in areas with street lights. These street lights help to increase visibility and make overtaking easier. However, you must be thorough sure the road is clear and safe before overtaking.

Courtesy On The Road For Drivers Of Heavy Vehicles

Every driver is expected to show good manners when driving with other road users on the road. This will save them from all the shouting, fighting and accident that would have occurred as a result of bad manners on the road. Drivers of heavy vehicles can show good manners and be considerate while driving by following the tips below.

• Do not intimidate other road users or drivers on the road with the size of your vehicle by making them go off the road for safety.

• Give way to vehicles that are faster especially smaller vehicles. This will ensure free flow of traffic.

• Drive fairly and be considerate. Because accident has relatively little effect on your vehicle is not a yardstick to start misbehaving or driving recklessly without consideration to other road users.

• If there is a traffic builds up behind your vehicle, it is advisable to slow down and move to the right as much as possible.

Common Bad Driving Habits

Drivers of vehicle are required to be fully alert and concentrated when driving. However, there are habits which a driver may posses that can make him lose concentration which may lead to road traffic accident. The following are some of them.

• Looking backward by turning the head

• Romancing while driving

• Eating and drinking while driving

• Reading while driving

• Driving with one arm

• Discussing with passengers while driving and turning to look at them during discussion.

• Engaging the passengers of a vehicle in hot argument while driving

• Playing very loud music while driving

• Dancing while driving

• Changing cassettes or CD while driving

• Playing with pets, children or adults at the rear seats, etc.

Drivers with any of these habits should desist from them as they can lead to road accident. 

Effects Of Road Traffic Accidents

There are many effects of road traffic accidents. Understanding these effects will help to minimize road traffic accidents. Many drivers underestimate the power of accidents and these makes them drive carelessly and recklessly. Below are some of the effects of road traffic accident.

• Road traffic accident can lead to the loss of lives. And sometimes, those who die during road traffic accident may be the one who solely supports the family. And when this happens the family loses its pillar which can affect them negatively.

• Road traffic accident can cause damage to properties. This may involve vehicles involved in the accident or other properties by the road side hit by the vehicle. 

• Road traffic accident can lead to injuries on the body of the victims. Some of the injuries sustained during road traffic accident can be very severe which can render them incapacitated or may even lead to death.

• Another effect of road traffic accident is the grief and stress suffered by relatives and friends of the decease.

• Road traffic accident can cause one to become incapacitated. Some can be incapacitated for a short time, while others can be incapacitated for life. This can make the driver unable to contribute their quarter to growth of the economy.

• Road traffic accident can also lead to unplanned amount of money being spent on drug, surgery, etc. 

Possible Solutions To Road Traffic Accident

In my last post, I wrote on the causes of road traffic accident. Today I am writing on the possible solutions to road traffic accident. Below are some of the possible solutions to road traffic accident.

The driver of a vehicle in no small way can minimize or reduce road traffic accident on the road. This can be done by driving safely on the road. One way by which drivers can drive safely is by driving defensively to avoid road traffic accident. Other ways drivers can minimize road accident include the following:

• Driver should be tolerable and show less aggression while driving.

• Drivers with medical or health related problems should seek medical  advise from their doctors before driving.

• Drivers should be conversant with road traffic regulations and traffic conditions.

• Drivers should have basic knowledge of their vehicles which help in times of emergencies.

• As a driver, it is important to show courtesy on the road.

• Drivers should not drive under the influence of drugs especially those that are known to cause road accidents.

The present state of a vehicle is also very important at reducing the rate of accident on the road. One mistake owners of vehicle often make is that they wait until a vehicle develops fault before taking the vehicles for repairs. Vehicle should be checked periodically, if the need be give to qualified mechanics for servicing.

The condition of the road can help in reducing or minimizing road accident. The government or organization should ensure that roads are designed to standards. These include designing road with street lights, road signs, lane markings, etc.

The weather conditions is also important in minimizing road traffic accident. Drivers should take into consideration the weather condition of the place he is driving and adjust to those weather conditions. Drivers shold also learn how to drive in different weather situations, this will help to prevent road accidents.