As soon as this enhanced community quarantine is over, people are expecting to go back to their normal lives and routine – traveling included.
This Road Safety Month, here are some reminders to ensure your safety as you head out once again onto the busy roads after the quarantine:
Check if your vehicle is in a good condition
Ever heard of the term BLOWBAGETS? Before you get going, make it a habit to check your Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, and… Self. Are you physically and emotionally fit to take over the steering wheel?
Be licensed for the vehicle drive and know how to react in case of a crash
Before hitting the road, make sure that you have your license with you. Being a licensed driver is as important as being a well-trained driver. Both would save yourself and your loved ones from harm and trouble! Also, knowing the hotlines to call and keeping a first aid kit in your vehicle would help you respond to emergencies.
Know and respect the highway codes and laws
The traffic signs and laws aren’t signs and laws for nothing. They are proven effective and essential in keeping things in order, and in saving lives. Educating yourself and obeying these laws show how you value your own life and the lives of others.
Drive at a safe speed and distance suitable for the condition
Speed is a risk. It is a major factor in fatal crashes. Thousands of people perish every year because of road accidents. Slowing down helps reduce those numbers.
Do not drive tired or under the influence of alcohol
A glass of alcohol equates to a higher risk on the roads. It affects your driving ability and it is time to change that! Meanwhile, 20% of road accidents on major roads are due to tiredness. Stay sober and well-rested if you need to hit the road.
Do not use mobile phones when driving
You are 4 times likely to crash, injure or kill yourself if you do so. Whether you’re stuck in the traffic, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act says that calling, texting or even playing games using your phone is a no-no.
Use a seatbelt/child car seats
Are you driving your own car? Keep the kids safe by installing child car seats and keeping them buckled up. Child car seats give 80% protection to your kids on the road – an extra expense to protect a life. Moreso, the Global Status Report on road safety says that wearing seat belts can reduce the risk of death or serious injury by 40-50%.
Wear a helmet on a motorcycle
Doing so should be a priority especially in South East Asian countries where motorcycles account for up to 75% of all registered vehicles, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Don’t worry if your helmet looks uncomfortable or it messes up with your hair, what’s more important is to remember that helmets reduce the risk of brain damage by 70% in the event of a crash.
Be visible as a pedestrian or cyclist
50% of the world’s road traffic deaths are among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. As a pedestrian, be extra mindful of your environment. As a driver, it is also your responsibility to look out for other road users.
Pray for safety
Before you embark on any journey, always ask God to protect you from any harm that may come your way. Pray for focus, wisdom, and traveling mercies. Be in faith that God is your refuge and He will keep you safe.
“My God is my rock. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.” (2 Samuel 22:3)
Road accidents have claimed many lives.
Like staying at home during this quarantine to care for other people’s welfare, road safety is everybody’s responsibility. It is choosing to honor the laws of the land, care for the community, and respect God-given lives.
The choice is yours to make.
Do you need someone to join you in praying for your family’s safety and protection? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 and we are here to pray with you.
