Road safety

The Three Pillars of Road Safety: Human, Vehicle, and Environment

Road safety is a shared responsibility that depends on three interconnected factors: the human factor (the driver's condition and behaviour), the vehicle factor (its maintenance and safety features), and the road and environment factor (weather and road conditions). The vast majority of traffic accidents are caused by human error, making the driver's role the most critical element in preventing collisions.

1. The Human Factor: The Driver's Responsibility

A driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely is directly influenced by their physical and mental state, as well as their behaviour behind the wheel. Understanding and managing these personal risk factors is paramount.

Driver's Physical and Mental State

• Fatigue and Drowsiness: A major risk factor, drowsiness can strike day or night, with peak danger periods between 3–5 a.m. and 2–4 p.m. It is caused by long drives, lack of rest, monotonous roads, heavy traffic, and poor ergonomics. Symptoms include blurred vision, slow and imprecise movements, and reduced sensory perception. The only remedy is rest; stop for 20–30 minutes every 2 hours or 200 km. If you feel drowsy, park in a safe place and rest immediately.
• Alcohol: Alcohol severely impairs driving ability. It increases reaction time (lengthening stopping distance), narrows the field of vision (tunnel effect), increases sensitivity to glare, and creates a false sense of confidence. The legal limit for general drivers is 0.25 mg/L in exhaled air or 0.5 g/L in blood. For novice drivers (first two years) and professional drivers, the limit is stricter: 0.15 mg/L in exhaled air or 0.3 g/L in blood. Blood alcohol peaks 30-90 minutes after consumption, and only time can eliminate it. The only truly safe level is 0.0. All drivers must submit to breathalyser tests when required; refusal is a criminal offence.
• Drugs: All drugs negatively impact driving. They slow reaction time and distort perception. Amphetamines cause aggressive behaviour, cocaine promotes risk-taking, cannabis increases drowsiness, and LSD causes severe hallucinations. Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offence. Drug detection tests are as mandatory as alcohol tests.
• Medications: Many common medications, including painkillers, cold medicines, anxiolytics, and antihistamines, can cause drowsiness and impair driving ability. Effects vary per person based on age and physical condition. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist about a medication's side effects before driving.
• Illness, Stress, and Age: Avoid driving during the acute phase of any illness. Stress and depression increase fatigue, aggression, and distractions. Age also plays a role; young drivers often overestimate their abilities and lack experience, while elderly drivers may face challenges with declining vision, hearing, and reaction speed.

Driver Behaviour and Distractions

• Distractions: Most distractions stem from the driver's own behaviour. Common distractions include using a mobile phone, programming a GPS, eating, drinking, smoking, or conversing with passengers. Even familiar roads can increase distraction risk by encouraging relaxed attention.
• Mobile Phones and GPS: Using a handheld mobile phone or earphones while driving is prohibited. Hands-free devices are permitted, but even these significantly reduce the attention needed to drive safely. A GPS must be positioned where it does not obstruct the driver's view or airbag deployment, and it should be programmed before starting the journey. The driver's judgment always overrides GPS instructions.
• Defensive Driving: This is a safety-focused attitude based on three principles: vision (looking far ahead), anticipation (predicting potential hazards and others' errors), and space (maintaining a safe following distance). Always keep enough distance to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
• Speed: Speed is a primary risk factor. It narrows the visual field (tunnel effect), accelerates fatigue, increases stopping distance, and makes the vehicle harder to control. Always adapt your speed to the traffic, road, and weather conditions.

2. The Vehicle Factor: Maintenance and Safety Systems

A vehicle's condition is a critical component of road safety. This includes both regular maintenance and the proper functioning of its built-in safety systems.

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular inspections reduce vehicle-related risks. Periodically check your tyres for cuts, deformations, and proper pressure. Inspect shock absorbers and brakes. After driving through deep water, gently tap the brakes to dry them and check their effectiveness.

Vehicle Safety Systems

Safety systems are divided into two categories: active systems that help prevent accidents, and passive systems that reduce injury when an accident occurs.

Active Safety Systems (Accident Prevention)

• Braking Systems: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) prevents wheels from locking during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
• Lighting and Steering: These are fundamental active systems. Proper lighting ensures you can see and be seen, while responsive steering allows you to control the vehicle.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): These modern systems assist the driver. Examples include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEBS), which brakes to avoid a collision; Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA); and Blind Spot Information. While helpful, the driver always remains fully responsible for the vehicle.

Passive Safety Systems (Injury Reduction)

• Seatbelts: This is the most important and irreplaceable passive safety device. It is mandatory for all occupants on all journeys. A loose or improperly worn seatbelt is ineffective and can cause injury. The lap belt must be positioned over the hip bones, not the abdomen, to prevent the dangerous 'submarining effect'. Bulky coats should be removed, and prohibited clips should never be used.
• Airbags: Airbags work in conjunction with seatbelts to protect occupants from hitting the vehicle's interior. They are only effective if the seatbelt is worn. A driver should sit at least 25 cm from the steering wheel. A rear-facing child seat must never be placed in a front seat unless the airbag has been deactivated.
• Headrests: Properly adjusted headrests are crucial for preventing serious cervical (neck) injuries like whiplash. The top of the headrest should be level with the top of your head, with a gap of less than 4 cm.
• Child Restraint Systems (CRS): Children under 1.35 m in height must travel in the rear seats using an approved CRS appropriate for their size and weight. Children taller than 1.35 m may use the adult seatbelt in any seat.
• Motorcycle Safety Gear: An approved, properly fastened helmet is mandatory on all roads and is a leading factor in preventing fatalities. Light-coloured helmets are more visible. Protective clothing, gloves, and boots are also essential passive safety elements.

3. The Road and Environment Factor

Safe driving requires constant adaptation to the surrounding environment and road conditions.

• Adverse Weather:
  • Rain: Reduces tyre grip and visibility. Braking distance can double. Slow down to avoid aquaplaning (loss of grip on water).
  • Fog: Severely limits visibility. Reduce speed to match how far you can see and use appropriate lights.
  • Snow and Ice: Dramatically reduces grip. Braking distance on ice can increase up to ten times. Drive smoothly in a high gear, braking and accelerating gently.
  • Wind: Strong crosswinds can destabilize a vehicle, especially motorcycles. Slow down and steer firmly into the wind.
• Road Conditions: Most fatal accidents occur on interurban roads, while many accidents happen on straight roads where drivers relax their attention. On poor road surfaces, reduce speed and increase your following distance.

4. Accident Costs and Procedures

Traffic accidents have significant consequences. The costs are human (loss of life and productive capacity), material (damage to vehicles and infrastructure), and economic, affecting all of society. In the event of an accident, follow the PAS rule: First, Protect the scene to prevent further incidents. Second, Alert the emergency services. Third, Assist the injured according to your knowledge.