There can be various causes of road accidents such as lack of traffic safety products to recklessness. Every day people get affected by road accidents for so many reasons, mainly because high speed is one of the risky behaviors on the road. In Pakistan, speeding has become the order of the day, and there are few occasions when we give a second look at any car that is moving at speeds above the limit. Globally, 1. 27 million people die in road accidents, says the World Health Organization (WHO), and over 50 million people get seriously injured.
Figures also showed that road accidents occurred in the last 10 years in Pakistan, and on average, 7000 to 10,000 people die every year. The global burden of road traffic injuries of all ages as Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) is 41. 2 million, and this is 27 percent of the total DALYs. For the year 2020, it has been projected that road traffic crashes will be responsible for about 23 million deaths across the globe.
16 Causes of Accidents in Pakistan
Historically, Pakistan’s health policies have focused on curative services and tertiary healthcare rather than preventive services. In such a context, injuries have not been considered a priority for health decision-makers.
Road accidents in particular and injuries in general as part of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing around the globe and more so in the developing world.
There are several causes of road accidents in Pakistan. Some main causes of road accidents in Pakistan are highlighted below:
Distracted driving:
The number one cause of car accidents is not a criminal who drove while intoxicated when they were overtaking, or when they disregarded a signal. The leading cause of car accidents in the country is distracted drivers. A distracted driver is a driver who takes his/her attention away from the road, for instance, making a call on the cell phone, texting, or eating.
Over speeding:
The speed limit breaks where many drivers go ahead and just drive 10, 20, and sometimes even 30 km/h over the limit. As the saying goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, which simply means that the faster one is the more dangerous one; and since road carnage increases with increased speed, then traveling above the speed limit signifies an increased risk of an occurrence of a road accident. Road accidents increase with higher speeds, so driving above the speed limit raises the risk of an accident. Thus over speeding is among the leading causes of accidents.The faster people drive, the slower their reaction time, making it harder to avoid a potential accident.
Inadequate Traffic Safety Products:
One major Causes of Road Accidents is the absence of essential traffic safety products like cones, barricades, and signage. These items play a crucial role in guiding drivers, especially in areas with ongoing construction, sudden lane closures, or accident-prone zones. Without visible markers, drivers may fail to notice hazards until it’s too late, leading to sudden braking, swerving, or collisions. The lack of proper safety equipment can also create confusion, especially at night or in poor weather conditions, resulting in increased risks for both drivers and pedestrians. Ensuring the availability of traffic safety products on the road can significantly reduce accidents and enhance road safety.
Reckless driving:
If people do not drive carefully, they may cause unnecessary car crashes. This often happens to reckless drivers who overtake improperly, swerve between lanes, or follow other vehicles too closely, leading to accidents. These drivers are usually in a hurry, especially in traffic jams, so it’s important to avoid them or remain cautious when driving near them.
Running red lights:
When driving, the red light signals that it is time to stop, and failure to observe this can result in car crashes. Those who take the risk of running a red light endanger the lives of pedestrians; side impacts during such incidents are often at very high speeds, which may lead to wrongful deaths. While approaching a green light, always check both ways for other vehicles to prevent road accidents
Running stop signs:
People never take a stop safety sign seriously, however, if they do, severe road/car accidents are bound to happen. Reports show that every year numerous people die in road accidents. One of the causes of these accidents is only running a stop sign. Most rollover accidents and side-impact road accidents are a result of drivers who fail to obey stop signs. It is also important that drivers should look to their left and right when they proceed through a stop sign.
Teenage drivers:
Sadly, in Pakistan, teenagers have a reputation for not being careful. Teenage drivers are inexperienced and whenever they are on the roads they do not know how to handle themselves. Therefore, this leads to an accumulation of road accidents.
Wrong-way driving:
It is always believed that everyone does get involved in decision-making, but when driving a car, such decisions cost lives. The drivers can move into a street desiring a normal right turn, thinking it is simply an ordinary right turn, and find that it is a one-way street in the opposite direction. When they go the wrong way, everyone is at risk as they head towards a road accident in the country.
Improper turns:
Stop lights, turn signals, and designated lanes for turning right or left exist to help maintain order and safety on the roads. When people disregard these traffic rules, accidents become inevitable. To avoid accidents while driving, always pay attention to road signs and follow the proper right of way, especially before making a turn.
Tire blowouts:
Most of the highways in Pakistan are filled with debris from broken-down vehicles and other hazardous materials. Which becomes one of the Causes of Road Accidents. When a car’s tire suddenly blows out due to hitting such debris, the driver often loses control, leading to severe accidents. Poor tire maintenance and driving on worn-out tires increase the risk of blowouts, particularly at high speeds. Regular tire checks and proper inflation can help prevent such incidents.
Fog:
Fog is not a common occurrence in many regions of Pakistan, but when it does happen, it can significantly impact road safety. Driving requires clear vision, and fog can make it challenging to see beyond the length of your car. To avoid accidents in foggy conditions, it’s important to use your headlights, but avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the fog and impair visibility further. Instead, use low beams to help navigate safely.
Street racing:
Street racing is an illicit custom of speedy vehicles and fatal car crashes. Turbo engines and nitrous oxide boosters make a car move at an incredibly high speed during a street race. This means that whatever happens next—a car accident does not leave any survivors.
Poor road conditions:
The condition of roads in Pakistan is another major Causes of Road Accidents. Many roads are poorly constructed, have uneven surfaces, and are filled with potholes, especially in rural areas. These bad road conditions make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, leading to accidents. Rain can make these roads even more treacherous, causing vehicles to skid. A lack of proper signage and poor lighting at night also increases the likelihood of crashes.
Driving under the influence:
Driving while intoxicated is one of the most dangerous habits on the road. In Pakistan, despite strict laws, many drivers still operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination, making it difficult to avoid accidents. Stricter law enforcement and public awareness campaigns can help reduce these incidents.
Failure to obey traffic laws:
In Pakistan, many drivers show little regard for traffic laws, whether it’s speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or refusing to yield the right-of-way. This disregard for rules leads to accidents that could have easily been avoided if drivers followed the basic road safety regulations. Awareness campaigns and stricter penalties for lawbreakers can help create a culture of road safety.
Inadequate vehicle maintenance:
Vehicles that are not properly maintained, with worn-out brakes, malfunctioning lights, or faulty steering mechanisms drastically increase the likelihood of accidents. Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance checks are crucial to ensure that cars are roadworthy.
To conclude, Causes of Road Accidents are a significant public safety concern, driven by a combination of factors. The high rate of fatalities and injuries highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address these issues. Enhancing public awareness of road safety, enforcing stricter traffic laws, and improving infrastructure are essential steps to reduce the frequency of accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a road accident?
A road accident is an unexpected event that occurs on a roadway, involving one or more vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, resulting in damage, injury, or death.
What measures can be taken to improve road safety in Pakistan?
Improving road safety can be achieved through stricter enforcement of traffic laws, public awareness campaigns, better road infrastructure, and regular vehicle maintenance checks.
How can drivers ensure their vehicles are safe?
Regular vehicle maintenance, including checking brakes, tires, lights, and steering mechanisms, is essential to ensure a car is roadworthy and to reduce the risk of accidents.
What should drivers do in foggy conditions?
In fog, drivers should use low-beam headlights, use fog lights, reduce speed, and increase following distance to maintain visibility and control.
