Accidents can happen on a road for many reasons, such as human error, vehicle malfunctions, or poor infrastructure. While it isn’t possible to avoid collisions and injuries altogether, there are steps that towns and cities can take to prevent their likelihood.
Improved public education and a few small changes to roads and highways could prevent minor, serious, and fatal injuries to drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians of all ages. Get started by reading this mini guide to improving road safety.
Table of Contents
Boost Public Education
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will determine how safe or dangerous a road is each day. Most road accidents are caused by human error, such as speeding, distracted driving, traffic violations, or drunk driving. Also, a pedestrian might fail to look both ways when crossing a road, or a cyclist might ride too close to a vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision.
Improving public education on road safety could reduce the risk of accidents or injuries, creating a safer environment for everyone. For instance, drivers must understand their limitations behind the wheel and understand the dangers of driving while intoxicated, texting while behind the wheel, or steering too close to a cyclist.
Improve Road Markings
Road markings will prevent confusion, guide traffic, and create specific zones for road users, such as cycle and pedestrian lanes. As signage plays a crucial role in road safety, towns and cities must enhance road safety with the right paint.
It’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each paint to help a marking withstand much wear and tear on a road. For example, thermoplastic paint is a popular option for busy highways, as it’s hardwearing and reflective. However, MMA paint is better suited to roundabouts, crossings, and junctions, as it’s durable and retains its color well.
Regular Road Maintenance
Regular road maintenance will improve its durability and decrease the likelihood of collisions and serious or fatal injuries. For instance, it’s essential to restore surfaces on roads and highways, such as filling potholes, sealing cracks, and applying a new surface, such as fresh tarmac. Also, speed bumps will force drivers to slow down in family-friendly areas, such as near schools and playgrounds.
Speed Limit Enforcement
Keep road users safe by enforcing speed limits across a town, city, or region. Many drivers choose to ignore maximum speed limits, which increases the chances of one or more serious or fatal accidents. Various tactics and technologies can enforce speed limits, such as speed cameras, fines, and traffic police. It’s a worthwhile investment in public safety.
Review Road Sign Placement & Presentation
If many drivers are ignoring speed limits or more accidents are occurring on a specific road or highway, you may need to review the placement and appearance of one or more road signs. A poorly placed sign, a low-quality design, or a lack of signage might be causing collisions, injuries, and fatalities. One or more small changes could make a big difference to road users’ behavior and may prevent many accidents in the future.
