Learning to drive an auto and learning to drive safely are two different issues. After a few weeks under the guidance of an efficient auto instructor, almost everyone can qualify for a driver's license but learning safe driving is not easy. It depends mainly on experience and mental attitude as a social responsibility through eagerness to obey traffic laws and willing to share with other drivers.
Anger, disappointment and worry can cause inability to concentrate while on driving. It is not safe driving practice because these emotional stresses can lead to an accident. Efficient drivers know about these facts and can drive with extra care thinking ahead for anything that might occur. For example, a vehicle ahead might stop suddenly or another driver ignores a traffic signal. A child might run in front of the vehicle, weather might cause the slippery roads, etc. As a result, an efficient driver takes into consideration every auto, intersection, pedestrian, cyclist and rickshaw -puller to prevent accident.
Do not tailgate. Tailgate means following or driving hazardously close to another vehicle which does not guarantee that stopping will avoid collision. That is why tailgate causes most rear-end crashes around the globe. There should be a general rule to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. For example, at 10 miles per hour (mph), the safe distance between vehicles will be 18 feet; at 20 mph, the safe distance will be 36 feet; at 40 mph, the safe distance between vehicles will be 72 feet and at 50 mph, the safe distance between vehicles will be 90 feet. Safe distance will increase at night or driving on slippery roads. For safety, it is important to keep a safe distance from vehicles from other lanes. If necessary, vehicle speed has to be reduced gradually. It will help pass other vehicles.
According to the official data of Bangladesh, about 1,997 road accidents occurred across the country during the January-September period of 2014. These claimed 2,132 lives and caused critical injuries to 1,743 and others. Driving at excessive speed, driving in the wrong lane, failure to give space to another vehicle or a pedestrian, making improper turns, unfit vehicles on roads, poor enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, lack of awareness of pedestrians, passengers, rickshaw-pullers, cyclists and motorists and lack of trained drivers are the common faults on roads in Bangladesh that cause mishaps.
To prevent road accidents, it is better to be at a safe distance than to be sorry. The following are the prevention methods for road safety:
* Speed thrills and also kills. So reinforce to a safe speed or reduce speed especially nearing schools, on narrow roads, hilly areas, rural areas, wet roads and where the visibility is poor. Reduce speed at night, in bad weather and heavy traffic.
* Obey traffic laws. It helps ensure safety for all including drivers, motorists, cyclists, rickshaw-pullers, passengers and pedestrians.
* Fasten sit belts prior to starting of engine. Statistics reveal that 63 per cent of those who were killed in accidents did not wear seat belts. Seat belt helps protect the internal organ in a crash.
* Pedestrians and children must come first in drivers' concern when they cross roads.
* Read caution signs which help drivers to be efficient drivers.
* Adopt antiskid brake systems in the vehicles so that the risk of auto skidding can be reduced.
* Preservation of air bags in the vehicles.
* Make sure all lamps of the vehicle are in good working condition.
* No unfit vehicles should be allowed to ply on roads. All vehicles should be in good working condition.
* Roads should be also in good condition.
* Avoid drugs and alcohols while in driving and
* Drivers need rest in order to prevent falling asleep while driving.
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