And with this in mind, and with the festive season looming, ER 24 are urging people to take their safety as well as that of others seriously when on the road.
“In South Africa, one of the common causes of death and disability is road-related incidents,” said Chitra Bodasing Harduth, ER24 spokesperson.
“Daily, ER24 attends to collisions that resulted in people sustaining severe or fatal injuries.
“All of this leads to severe trauma for all involved.
“Sadly at an accident, despite all efforts by highly qualified expert paramedics, there is nothing that can be done for some patients as a result of the severity of injuries sustained.
“For survivors, assessment, treatment and transportation to the closest appropriate hospital by paramedics is the key focus. Time is of the essence.
“Injuries sustained during these incidents include those to the head, severe impact to internal organs, and broken bones. The list is endless. For some, even with expert treatment, severity of the injuries sustained leaves little if any room for recovery.”
She said thousands of people die or suffer injuries that lead to life-long problems as a result of collisions on South African roads every year.
“In many instances, due to causes that could have been prevented.
“Speeding, driving while under the influence of liquor, driving un-roadworthy vehicles, unrestrained children in vehicles, not using child car seats where necessary, texting and driving are choices that motorists make, choices that not only pose a risk to them, but innocent people around them.
“The festive season is almost upon us. That means that there will be more long distance drives, people rushing to get to their destinations, more parties, more alcohol and reckless behaviour.”
How do you prevent being a road fatality statistic? ER 24 provides the following tips:
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Take your vehicle to a dealership for a safety check.
- Be patient and alert while driving.
- Speeding must be avoided.
- Keep a safe following distance.
- Ensure children are buckled up or appropriately restrained.
- Avoid road rage.
- Do not drive while under the influence or liquor or drugs.
- Ensure you get enough rest prior to leaving as well as take breaks while driving.
- Make use of a hands-free kit and refrain from texting and driving.
