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Human Error Taking too Many Lives

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - Speed, alcohol, impatience, fatigue, inattention. The causes of the crashes that claimed 18 lives in the Christmas holiday period were starkly illustrated by yesterday's front page putting a human face on the road toll. None of the deaths were caused by the roads. None appear to have had anything to do with the vehicles involved. All were preventable.

Together they form a microcosm of the carnage wrought on the roads every year. Trees and power poles do not suddenly leap out at unwary motorists. Corners do not suddenly become sharper. Almost every death, every road accident is a consequence of human error - whether it be driving an unsafe vehicle, driving drunk, speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, failing to adjust to the conditions, or misjudging a passing manoeuvre.

The final 2011 road toll of 284 is almost 100 fewer than 2010 and the lowest since 1952. Huge improvements have been made since the toll peaked at 843 almost 40 years ago. For that credit must go to manufacturers who are making safer vehicles, engineers who are designing safer roads, motorists who are paying heed to road safety campaigns and police.

Speed cameras are no more popular now than unmarked patrol cars once were, but there is no disputing the impact they have had on driver behaviour. Since their use became widespread in 1995 the mean speed on the open road has come down more than 6kmh to 96kmh. Not only have average speeds come down, so have top speeds. It is no longer commonplace on holiday weekends to be overtaken by lunatics zigzagging in and out of traffic at ridiculous speed.

However, as the Christmas holiday toll tragically shows, some motorists are still playing Russian roulette with their lives and, worse, with those of their passengers and other road users.

The most tragic deaths are those of motorists killed in collisions with vehicles that have crossed the centre line. They have done absolutely nothing to deserve their fate.

However, every death means a grieving family. Every injury means heartbreak and suffering - suffering that, in some cases, lasts a lifetime.

There is more that the authorities can do. Roads can be widened, bends can be made more gentle, median barriers can be erected. But those things take time and cost money, money that could otherwise be spent on health, education and welfare. Expenditure has to be prioritised.

However, it does not cost anything to keep to the speed limit, drive to the conditions and consider fellow road users.

Being a few minutes later for lunch, the big game or a family reunion does not compare with missing out on the rest of your life. Stick to the speed limit, drive to the conditions.

Drivers cannot abdicate responsibility for their safety to others.

Stupidity, recklessness and inattention claimed almost 300 lives last year. Don't add your name to the list this year, or those of the people you love.

Article from: The Dominion Post

English - USA