Dr M Amweelo writes:

Car accidents can happen at any time, and the majority of car accidents are caused by human error.
However, other contributing factors include weather and road conditions. We have found that the
months of April, August and September recorded the most road accidents, but March, November
and December accounted for the most fatal and serious crashes. Public holidays and the festive
season fall within this period. Therefore, as we are approaching the festive season we must be extra
careful when we are driving so that we can arrive at our destinations safely. As has been reported in
previous years, there were considerably more male drivers involved in road accidents than female
drivers. While the behaviour of male drivers may differ from that of their female counterparts, the fact
that fewer women have access to motorised transport may also have played a role in lowering the
number of women drivers involved in accidents. The age distribution of drivers involved in injury
accidents showed that the most affected age groups were those between 25 and 40 years, followed
by the age group 41 to 49. Passengers affected by crashes were slightly younger, with
approximately a third of them falling into the 18 to 33 age group.
A number of factors contribute to the risk of collision, including vehicle design, speed, road design,
road environment, driver skill and/or impairment, and driver behaviour. The human factors in vehicle
collisions include all factors related to drivers and other road users that may contribute to a collision.
Examples include driver behavior, visual and auditory acuity, decision-making ability and reaction
speed.
The speed of motor vehicles is at the core of the road injury problem. Speed influences both crash
risk and crash consequence. Excess speed is defined as a vehicle exceeding the relevant
speed limit; inappropriate speed refers to a vehicle travelling at a speed unsuitable for the
prevailing road and traffic conditions.
Driver impairment describes factors that prevent the driver from driving at their normal level of skill.
Poor eyesight and/or physical impairment, with many jurisdictions setting simple sight tests and/or
requiring appropriate vehicle modifications before being allowed to drive.
Research suggests that the driver's attention is affected by distracting sounds such as conversations
and operating a mobile phone while driving. Many jurisdictions now restrict or outlaw the use of
some types of phone within the car.
Recent research conducted by British scientists suggests that music can also have an effect;
classical music is considered to be calming, yet too much could relax the driver to a condition of
distraction.
Careful design and maintenance, with well-designed intersections, road surfaces, visibility and traffic
control devices, can result in significant reductions in accident rates.
If you are a driver, one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your
passengers safe is to ensure you are at your most alert when driving, and not compromised by
factors such as:
Alcohol dont drink and drive even a seemingly small amount of alcohol can impair
your judgment;
Fatigue- dont set out in your car if you are feeling sleepy. If you start to feel tired whilst
driving, be sure to take a break until you are wide awake again;

 Avoid excess speed;

Keep your vehicle in good working condition;
Distractions - make sure your mobile phone is switched off when you are driving so you won't be
tempted to answer when it rings. Be sure to stay calm and in control at all times when you're in the
driving seat;
Check your car in regular intervals, i.e. constantly monitor its tyres, brakes, lights, and mirrors;
Seatbelts - wearing your seatbelt at all times will limit the motion (therefore reducing the degree
of whiplash) and also prevents you from being ejected from your seat;
Always keep your vehicle neat and tidy;
Have a clear idea of the limitations of your car;
As far as possible, avoid driving at night;
Avoid excessive music - Listening to loud music while driving can seriously hamper reaction
times and cause accidents.
Research has shown that visibility of law enforcement officers together with awareness campaigns
leads to a reduction of road accidents. It is recommended that more permanent and mobile
roadblocks be established during festive seasons, and if the Namibian police are stretched in terms
of manpower they should consider using volunteers from the National Youth Service. Above all, I
have humble request to all road users to comply with the existing road traffic laws and regulations.
Finally, I would like to wish you all Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Drive safely to
arrive at your destinations in one piece.

http://www.namibiansun.com/opinion/how-can-accidents-be-prevented-festive-season.60369