Motorists are road users who drive cars, buses, trucks and lorries. Rules meant to help people avoid danger or injury are called safety guidelines. Safety guidelines for motorists are therefore rules and regulations made to ensure that motorists drive safely and responsibly in order to guarantee the safety of the motorists and other road users.
Safety Guidelines for Motorists
The following are the safety guidelines for motorists:
1. Use of seat belts. The use of seat belts help to prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident. Seat belts hold the driver and passengers tightly onto their seats.
2. Obeying all traffic rules.
3. Ensure proper vehicle maintenance. Proper routine vehicle maintenance helps to prevent accidents. Potential problems such as faulty brakes are detected before they cause accidents on the road.
4. Avoid alcoholic drinks. It is very dangerous to drink while driving or after driving. It may impair good judgement and cause traffic accidents. Even though the driver is not intoxicated by the alcohol, he may still feel sleepy from its consumption.
5. Observe the driving codes. It is in the best interest of motorists to observe driving codes for safety.
6. Avoid reckless driving. Reckless driving is dangerous and should be avoided.
7. Avoid dangerous overtaking. Overtaking should be done the proper way. You should overtake only on the left side of the road when the road is clear of oncoming vehicles. Ensure you overtake only after sounding the horn to notify the driver of the vehicle being overtaken.
8. Adequate enlightenment for drivers. Drivers should be properly enlightened on safety codes and guidelines.
9. Avoid being in a hurry or over speeding.
10. Use of safety devices should always be encouraged.
11. Avoid making phone calls while driving.
ACTIVITIES
Visit a major road and identify the following
(i) Pedestrian walkway
(ii) Dual carriage road
(iii) Traffic light
(iv) Zebra crossing.
EVALUATION
- Explain the importance of wearing a reflective jacket at night.
- State 5 safety tips for motorists.