"Everybody wins..."
...when we practice good road safety" - Irish Insurance Federation.
The number of people injured declines, so the pressure on our emergency services can be relieved (i.e. less dancing parties and campers at our A&E departments. Hurrah.). The economic cost of accidents and repairments to our society is lowered, and the high number of insurance claims drop. We feel safer in our communities, and the terrible grief over a loved one lost can be avoided...
Foreword
The purpose of the Rules of the Road is to prevent injury on our roads and to save lives. The rules apply to all road users; drivers, pedestrians (the number 11 bus passengers ¬_¬ ), cyclists, motorcyclists.... and horse riders. These rules ask us to take personal responsibility for our use of the road. It is our responsibility to read the rules and know them, and it is our choice to utilise what we've learnt out on the roads, the same roads of the place in which you work and socialise in, the very roads of the community in which you and your family live in...
This hub and other future related hubs are all adapted from the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s Rules of the Road book, funded by the Irish Insurance Federation. Rules within comply with and reflect the Road Traffic Law as at 1st March 2007. Even though there's no neccessity to squint your eyes or buy an extra pair of reading glasses to study and memorise that law word for word (an subsequently obtain a degree in law for doing so ._. in which case, fair play to ya), it won't do any harm to check out that book named above. An interpretation of the law from a road safety point of view, it is surprisingly comprehensive. Written in plain English in an easy-to-read format, this book was generated to promote safety, good driving practice, and courtesy in using the roads.
It will also be important to check out the RSA website @ www.rsa.ie for updates...you know how much those folks like to confuddle us grrr. If you've got any queries, you should go seek the legislation or ask a Garda (police dudes and dudettes in Ireland). The legislation covers the road traffic laws currently in force, but will also be updated regularly in the future to take account of new laws.
Introduction
As a road user, you play a vital role in road safety, and must have a satisfactory knowlege of the rules of the road to get a driving licence, but learning about road safety doesn't stop there. It takes a lifetime. Don't worry, you won't be hobbling around with your stick in your nineties, trying to learn every little bit about road safety before even considering taking your theory test, but you do need to constantly update your skills and knowledge, and be aware of changes made to road traffic laws. It is SO important to understand and obey these rules throughout your driving years. In this range of hubs, three method will be used to clearly pinpoint how the law applies to all road users...
You can prevent injuries and save lives by reflecting on your road behaviours and adjusting them when you need to. Reading, knowing, and applying the rules of the road, practicing good driving skills and generally taking care as a road user will help you achieve this goal. You will also be making road safety policies more effective. There are a number of skills and behaviours expected of road users...
- Must and must not will be used to highlight behaviours the law clearly demands or forbids
- Where there are no specific legal rule in place, should and should not tells you what's the best way to act in a certain situation
- There will be illustrations and descriptions of traffic lights, road markings and signs provided to regulate traffic
You can prevent injuries and save lives by reflecting on your road behaviours and adjusting them when you need to. Reading, knowing, and applying the rules of the road, practicing good driving skills and generally taking care as a road user will help you achieve this goal. You will also be making road safety policies more effective. There are a number of skills and behaviours expected of road users...
- the ability to act responsibly
- the ability to foresee and react to hazards
- the ability to focus, good concentration
- a good level of driving expertise
- a positive and considerate attitude to each other, and particularly towards vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities
Important: Working Together
Road safety policies and laws will work only with the support of ALL road users. There is very little meaning to driving "safely" in a road full of joyriders and hit-and-runs and crashes - you might as well hop on the number 11 bus and live that bit longer ¬_¬ Likewise, you don't wanna be the one getting all the beeps and angry faces and comments. If you do not obey road traffic law, you could easily find yourself...- facing a fine
- loaded up with penalty points
- facing a conviction in court
- disqualified from driving
- or in some cases, serving a prison term
A 5km/hr difference in your speed could be the difference between life and death for a vulnerable pedestrian. Want the statistics ?
- Hit by a car at 30km/h...1 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed
- Hit by a car at 50km/h...5 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed
- Hit by a car at 60km/h...9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed
Remember: Driving is a life skill that requires lifelong learning...
It is your responsibility. It is your choice.
Check out these Awesome hubs...
- Sad, a pity,...but very true: http://hubpages.comhttp//hubpages.com/hub/World-Day-of-Remembrance-for-Road-Traffic-Victims the result of Road Traffic Accidents
- General, but useful tips of the road http://hubpages.com/hub/Rules-of-the-Road
- Now you can drive in the comfort of your own home ! err... http://hubpages.com/hub/test-driving-games Never tried these before, but no harm to give it a go. It just might help you get the practice you need for that special driving test coming up. Good luck !
