7 hazardous driving habits

Reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps from January 1st 2013 to date paint a worrying picture for the Corps.  At the beginning of the year, we reeled our strategic goals for 2013.  Top on the list was the reduction of road traffic crashes by 20% and fatalities by 30%. This target was premised on […]

Reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps from January 1st 2013 to date paint a worrying picture for the Corps.  At the beginning of the year, we reeled our strategic goals for 2013.  Top on the list was the reduction of road traffic crashes by 20% and fatalities by 30%. This target was premised on the UN Decade of Action goal of reducing fatalities by 50% in 2020.  With just about six months to the end of 2013, the weekly road traffic crash report is compounded by two major factors: improved road situation and increasing bad driving habit. To address this trend, the FRSC initiated two strategic interventions: Operations Shield and Rainstorm.
While the result of Operation Rainstorm is being compiled, reports for Operation Shield witnessed a 24% reduction in road crashes and 70% increase in the number of traffic offenders arrested and arraigned before mobile courts. The report indicates that week 18 posted 32 deaths and 126 injured persons in 55 reported road crashes while week 19 (during the special patrol) accounted for down ward trend of 18 deaths and 100 injured persons in 42 road crashes. A detailed analysis indicate that while 1,089 offenders were arrested in week 18 (29th April-5th May, 2013) for 1,225 offences before the operation shield special patrol, 3009 offenders were arrested for 4,025 traffic-related offences in week 19 (6th-12th May, 2013) during the exercise.
Similarly, week 18 posted 32 deaths and 126 injured persons in 55 reported road crashes while week 19(during the special patrol) accounted for down ward trend of 18 deaths and 100 injured persons in 42 road crashes.
As we wait for the result of Operation Rain Storm, let me refresh our minds on the focus of the operation, which was enforcement on number plate violations such as covering of number plates with plastic, use of Peace Ambassador number plates, use of plastic number plates and the use of broken and defaced number plates which negates the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2004.
Operation Rainstorm also addressed other road vices such as excessive speeding, overloading, dangerous driving, driver’s license violation, non-use of the passenger manifest by some fleet operators and light sign violations. The campaign also focused on awareness on the traffic hazards associated with the above in addition to the use of worn-out tyres, the new number plate, use of phone while driving and driver’s license. The exercise also witnessed a nationwide inspection and certification of fleet operators on compliance with minimum safety standards under the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme which has so far, witnessed the certification of 2,922 fleet operators and their terminals, training of 600 safety managers and 692 Governors’ convoy drivers.
With about six months to end the year, please ponder on your driving habits and share with me this material surfed from Cintas Nancy Peterson on the internet on the seven most hazardous driving offenders and their bad driving habits.
1.     The Beauty Queen: some drivers have been known to apply makeup (e.g. lipstick, mascara) while driving. But, it is very easy to lose control of a vehicle if both hands are not on the steering wheel and eyes are not on the road. Drivers should put away all makeup products and keep out of reach while driving.
2.    The Hungry Commuter: Eating while driving is another habit that results in driving without both hands on the wheel. Drivers who are eating cannot react as quickly to sharp curves or properly handle lane changes because their hands are full. Drivers should take extra time to eat before they leave or plan a roadside stop to eat.
3.    The Tech-Obsessed: Even with state laws that prohibit sending text messages or talking on cell phones while driving, people still use their technology gadgets while driving, Cintas says, “CDC reports that 25% of drivers in the U.S admitted to regularly or fairly often talking on cell phones while behind the wheel”. Drivers should refrain from this, as it slows down reflexes and takes attention off the road.
4.    The Sleepy Traveller: Commuters sometimes refuse to pull over when they feel tired. An AAA Foundation poll found nearly a third of people admitted to driving when they had trouble keeping their eyes open. Sleepy drivers should find a rest stop and pull over if they feel unable to keep their eyes open and concentrate.
5.    The Daydreamer: These drivers get lost in their thoughts and do not think about what they are doing while driving. Drivers should focus on the road, rather than personal problems or to-do lists.
6.    The Road Rager: These drivers tailgate, cut off other drivers and get angry easily while driving. Those prone to such behaviours should plan for sufficient time to reach a destination and work on having patience. If driving is too stressful, consider alternative modes of transportation.
7.    The Rule Breaker: Speeding not wearing a seat belt, and disregarding traffic signs and signals are habits of rule breakers. Drivers must take proper precautions and obey the rules of the road to ensure safety and to avoid costly tickets.