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The roads of today are choked with cars, lorries, motorcycles and other
vehicles. The congestion has increased steadily over the years. The inevitable
result of this congestion is the increase in the number of road accidents. Every
day many road users get injured or killed. The dangers on the road are many. It
is wise to know what they are and how to avoid them. In towns and cities where
the congestion is the greatest, pedestrians are the ones with the highest risks.
Flesh is no match against metal or plastic. To be hit by a vehicle almost
certainly means injury, or death. Sow hen crossing the streets, it is always
better to use the pedestrian crossings that are usually located at junctions,
regardless of whether the crossings have light or not. Even so be sure to
observe the vehicles on the road before crossing. There are some drivers who do
not stop at pedestrian crossings. Cross only when you know it is safe to do so,
not because the light is green for you. If there are overhead pedestrian
bridges, better still. Use them even though it might be a bit inconvenient. It
is better to be safe than sorry.
Dashing across the street anywhere you like is a dangerous act. You might get
away with it a thousand times, but it takes only one accident to put you down,
temporarily or permanently. The consequences are terrible, as accident victims
will testify to.
"Speed kills", as the warning signs on highways say. How true it is.
Accidents occurring along the highways are frequently fatal. Sometimes entire
families are wiped out in a single accident.
The vehicles are reduced to unrecognizable mangled heaps of metal. It is common
to read about how the fire department "took an hour to remove the bodies from
the wreckage". Do not speed on the road. This is the lesson to be learned.
Despite the horror, many road users have not learned the lesson. They
continue to speed and behave recklessly.
This is especially so with young motorcyclists. With their devil-may-care
attitude and their illegal midnight races, they not only endanger themselves but
other road users as well. You will be well-advised to stay clear of them.
When on the road, know the dangers and avoid them. In the first instance, do
not endanger other road users with irresponsible behavior such as
jaywalking, using the mobile phone while
driving and beating red lights. Irresponsible road users are the greatest danger
on the road. Do not let yourself be one. |
