Selwyn Times: July 26, 2016

SELWYN TIMES Tuesday [Edition July 26 datE] 2016 29 3
MOTORCARE PROFESSIONALS
SAFE MOTORING IS
A DELIBERATE ACT
driving on country roads is dangerous.
high speed accidents incur a higher
mortality rate and catastrophic injuries
leaving in their aftermath, grief for loved
ones.
“Improving roads, policing and more
sophisticated vehicles have played a small
part in road safety, however the biggest
single cause of road accidents is driver
error” says selwyn district Councillor, Jeff
bland.
The higher number of road deaths ever
recorded was 843 in 1973, a much higher
figure than recent years which suggests that
road initiatives have had some impact and
between 2011 and 2014, there were the least
number of deaths recorded on new Zealand
roads. The lowest was 253 in 2013 and the
highest 308 in 2012. The authorities say
this figure is still too high and most people
would agree.
Injuries caused by road accidents have
been massively higher. In 2014, 11,219
people were injured with a proportion
having lasting effect on individuals and
families, changing their lives forever.
It is true, that the number of cars on the
road has risen and the percentage of road
deaths to cars has declined, dropping from
23.1% in 1986 to 6.5% in 2014. however,
recent figures show that the toll is increasing
again suggesting that road safety messages
are no longer effective.
The road toll has fluctuated over the last
five years but this year’s figures have climbed
with 174 deaths to July 2016, compared to
165 at the same time last year.
Jeff puts this down to a blaze, cavalier
attitude and lack of responsibility or respect
for others on the road.
“during my career in the police, I
attended thousands of road accidents. Most
drivers blamed the vehicle or another driver
and couldn’t see that they may have made a
mistake,” explains Jeff. “People feel insulated
in their cars and don’t think about driving
carefully or to the conditions.”
Part of the problem he says, is a purveying
opinion that we are better drivers yet it
only takes a moment’s inattention or one
foolish act for an accident to occur on the
road. When we put our foot down on the
accelerator we have a lethal weapon under
our control.
“We’re often different people, even
aggressive behind the wheel of a car,” adds
Jeff. “We need to start taking personal
responsibility on the roads and stop making
excuses as to why crashes occur. Road
accidents and deaths affect every person in
this country in one way or other. bringing
the road toll down will benefit us all.”
Safe Driving means:
• driving at a speed suitable for
the road and weather.
• anticipating situations and actions
of other drivers.
• Following at a safe distance – a
2-4 second gap.
• ensuring the road is clear before
overtaking.
• stopping at red lights and stop
signs.
• Turning car lights on when dull
or dark.
• not using a cellphone when
driving.
• observing speed limits and road
signs.
• Recognising that we can make
mistakes on the road
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