2022
Safe Roads for All: Marking Road Safety Week
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /Deaths on American roads show no signs of slowing down, with traffic fatalities continuing to rise. Here in Florida, we are sadly one of the states that stands out for having a high traffic fatality rate.
To mark Road Safety Week, we’re looking at the shocking statistics, the risks on our roads, and what you can do to help.
Carnage
All over the world, more than 1.3 million people die on the roads every year, with many more suffering life-changing injuries. Road crashes are the number one killer of young people aged 5 to 29. Every 30 seconds someone dies on the road, devastating families and communities.
The Florida statistics hit home: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 1,951 traffic fatalities in Florida in the first half of 2022.
Risky behavior
So, why are the roads so dangerous? A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety discovered that the increasing trend of road deaths is mainly the result of risky behavior among drivers. This includes speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Faster vehicle speeds increase the risk of death or serious injury. The faster the vehicle, the less likely it is to stop in time and the more serious the collision. Impaired driving– whether distracted by a phone, drunk, or tired – is a huge factor in road deaths. Other risky behavior includes failure to observe the rules of the road or wearing seatbelts or motorbike helmets.
Advancements in road safety
Hope looms on the horizon, but change can be slow. Some advancements in road safety include:
- Developments in the world of car design have helped, with the introduction of AEB (automated emergency braking) and ISA (intelligent speed adaption.) Airbags and softer bumpers and bonnets can help to mitigate injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Safety systems on our roads, such as segregated zones for bicycles and pedestrians can also be of benefit.
- Awareness campaigns can help to challenge driver behavior.
- Lowering speed limits, increased speed checks, roadside checks for vehicle safety, and harsher penalties for drunk drivers are a deterrent for risky driver behavior.
Road safety awareness week
Brake is a charity that promotes safe road travel. They work to stop road deaths and injuries, support people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes, and campaign for safe and healthy mobility for all.
www.roadsafetyweek.org is run by Brake to list Road Safety Weeks happening around the globe. Road Safety Weeks are organized by various organizations, including the United Nations.
This year, Road Safety Week runs from November 14 to 20. During this week, schools and communities around the world take part, in road safety demonstrations, events, awareness video screenings, and talks. The theme for Road Safety Awareness Week 2022 is safe roads for all. Every life on our roads matters and every death or injury is preventable.
How can we all help?
Road safety week is the perfect time to chat with our kids about road safety, safely crossing roads and the importance of wearing helmets and visibility aids when cycling. it’s also a time to raise awareness in our community, schools, workplace, or sports and social clubs.
During Road Safety Week the work of emergency services is often highlighted, and the stories of road crash victims are shared, helping us to understand why road safety is so crucial.
Justice for victims
At Jenkins Law P.L we are behind any and all efforts, campaigns, and events that will improve road safety. Sadly, we understand the absolute tragedy of road traffic accidents. We help clients who have lost loved ones or suffered a serious injury because of a road accident. They struggle with medical bills, emotional distress, loss of income, and pain.
If the aftermath of a road collision is something you’re dealing with, make sure that you’ve got the personalized service of a lawyer who’s got the experience, dedication, and empathy needed to fight for your compensation. We specialize in personal injury, whether you’ve been injured while driving, cycling, or just out walking.
Be safe out there and if you need us, just call.
