According to ER24, one of the most common causes of death and disability is road-related incidents.
Every day, ER24 attends to collisions where people have sustained severe or fatal injuries. As a result of the severity of injuries sustained, there is sometimes nothing that can be done for some patients, despite all the efforts of the highly qualified expert paramedics. Thousands of people die annually, or suffer injuries that lead to life-long problems as a result of collisions on South Africa’s roads.
For survivors, assessment, treatment and transportation to the closest appropriate hospital by paramedics is the key focus. Time is of utmost importance. Injuries sustained during these incidents include those to the head, severe impact to internal organs, broken bones – the list is endless.
In many instances, the accident could have been prevented. Speeding, driving while under the influence of liquor, driving vehicles that are not roadworthy, unrestrained children in vehicles, not using child car seats where necessary, texting and driving – these are choices that motorists make daily, choices that not only pose a risk to them, but to innocent people around them.
The festive season is upon us and this means that there will be more long-distance drives, more people rushing to get to their destinations, more parties, more alcohol and more reckless behaviour.
How do you avoid becoming a road fatality statistic?
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Take your vehicle to a dealership for a safety check.
• Be patient and alert while driving.
• Don’t speed.
• Keep a safe following distance.
• Wear seat-belts at all times.
• Ensure children are buckled up or appropriately restrained.
• Avoid road rage.
• Do not drive while under the influence of liquor or drugs.
• Ensure you get enough rest prior to leaving as well as take regular breaks while driving.
• Make use of a hands-free kit and refrain from texting and driving.
• Drive with your headlights on.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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