Road safety, with innovation
| Date :15-Jan-2020 |
By Sourabh Jambhulkar :
The first road accident was reported in the year 1771. Since then, the incident rate increases year by year, day by day, minute by minute, and now second by second. Road safety can be achieved with innovation. Technology is changing like speed of the motor on the road and so is the driver’s behaviour. During Road Safety Week from January 11 to January 17, we will see some of the trends, digital recommendations on road safety. These aim at raising public awareness about traffic rules and reducing the number of road accidents that occur on a daily basis.
Trend says over 5 lakh road accidents take place every year in India of which approximately 1.4 lakh are reported fatal in nature. This trend stands nowhere as far as Sweden is concerned, where only 1-2 fatalities are reported yearly in road accidents. The leading causes of accidents include human errors like driving while drunk, destructive driving, talking over cellphone, and overtaking. However, the Government is taking remarkable measures to prevent road accidents. Still, as an individual, we need to concentrate on self awareness and decision making. These can be achieved with behavioural changes and many new and innovative technological approaches. Let us discuss these one by one. Behavioural Changes While driving, one needs to focus and concentrate on driving alone. No multi-tasking is to be done. For, such distraction may lead to accident.
Talking on cellphone, texting on phone, talking to back-seat fellow passenger, changing channel on music system etc are treated as distractions while driving. The latest research says that texting and talking over phone while driving is 23 times more likely to cause accident. Therefore, behavioural change on this count is required from individuals. New Technology: Bollard Barricading System Motor is a gift of technology. Road accident can be prevented with use of latest technologies like Bollard Barricading System. It runs on hydraulic system. It can raise or lower down from ground on command. It can be used to trap and stop fast moving vehicles, burglars etc. Training, mobile phone apps Road safety can be achieved through training -- practical and interactive -- from school level to corporate level. Methods like micro-level training on road safety and defensive driving can track one’s progress with many digital gadgets like e-booklet on traffic rules, driving tips, vehicle checklist etc.
Road safety mobile phone application, smart watches etc are some of the digital tools. The road safety mobile phone application may include earning points by not using phone while driving, blocking the phone when vehicle is in motion, and driving within safe speed limit and winning prizes. Smart systems Nowadays, there are very smart and automated features coming with vehicles like anti-lock braking system, rear camera, Bluetooth etc. Some other systems include blind spot detector, automatic emergency braking system, lane keeping warning system, electronic stability control (ESC) system. Blind spot is an area where the driver’s view is obstructed.
The detector gives driver an audible or visual notification of a car in his blind spot. Automatic emergency braking system alerts a driver to an imminent crash, and assists him in using maximum braking capacity of the car. Lane keeping warning system uses cameras to determine if a car has drifted across a lane. It is used to prevent distracted driving errors. ESC system drastically reduces road accidents and now is mandatory for new cars in many countries including US and Canada. It is said to be very effective. It is a computerised control system that applies brakes to individual wheels and reduces engine power to ensure that drivers maintain control of their vehicles. It is an advance version of anti-braking system. Events & activities Events and activities like expo, fairs, road shows etc should be conducted to spread awareness on road safety. Poster-making, slogan-writing competitions etc should be conducted for road safety awareness. For, actions speak louder than words. How to reduce drunk-and-drive cases Reportedly, road accidents due to driving while one is drunk are more as compared to other reasons. There are strict rules but big number in this category remains a mystery.
Can the authorities concerned think over a suggestion -- Do not allow people with vehicle to enter into the bar. They can come by other transport like taxi or auto-rickshaw. This may restrict the number of accidents. Saving an accident means saving his/her entire family. Besides, there should be systems using which one’s car will not start unless the driver and fellow passengers wear seat belt. Similarly, there should be system that prevents a two-wheeler from starting if rider is not wearing helmet. Lowering Noise and Air Pollution We can celebrate ‘No Motor Day’ once every month, say, on Sunday, and choose to ride bicycle instead of motor to mark support to reduce noise and air pollution.
Health & vision check-up for drivers NGOs, corporates can arrange a free health and vision check-up camp at highways for truck drivers, operators etc to create awareness about road safety. Road safety pledge We should take and sign a ‘Road Safety Pledge’ in schools, colleges, offices. The pledge should mention that one shall drive one’s vehicle with lower speed, without overtaking, with all safety precautions, and remembering that one’s son, daughter, parents, and other family members are waiting for one at home. (The author is Safety Consultant)