Road safety

Chapter Summary: Road Safety

Road safety hinges on three key factors: the driver, the vehicle, and the environment. The human factor is the most common cause of accidents. Key risks include distractions, particularly from mobile phones and GPS devices; fatigue and drowsiness, which require regular rest breaks of 20-30 minutes every 2 hours or 200 km; and impairment from substances. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely slows reaction time and distorts perception. The only safe alcohol level is zero, and drivers must adhere to strict legal limits (0.25 mg/L for general drivers, 0.15 mg/L for novices and professionals) and mandatory testing.

The vehicle factor involves both diligent maintenance and understanding its safety systems. Regular checks of tyres, brakes, and shock absorbers are essential. Safety systems are categorized as active (preventing accidents) and passive (reducing injury). Active systems include ABS and modern ADAS like emergency braking, while passive systems include the chassis, airbags, and headrests. The seatbelt is the most critical passive safety device and is irreplaceable. It must be worn correctly—snugly fitted with the lap belt over the hips—as it is essential for the proper functioning of other systems like airbags and for preventing serious injury.

Finally, drivers must constantly adapt to the road and environmental conditions. Adverse weather such as rain, fog, snow, or ice dramatically reduces tyre grip and visibility, requiring lower speeds and significantly increased following distances. This principle is central to defensive driving, which involves maintaining safety through constant vision, anticipation of hazards, and managing the space around your vehicle. By managing personal risk factors, ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy, and adapting to the environment, drivers can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in an accident.