adminDuring the last festive season, 260 people perished on our roads. This time I would like to appeal to all our road users to play their part and help to significantly reduce this figure.
It is very sad that a single crash on December 17 involving a kombi, being driven by an under-age driver in Chiredzi, has already claimed 12 lives already during this festive period. Be that as it may, one of the other means of preventing road crashes is effective communication.
The need for effective communication in every facet of human existence cannot be overemphasised. When driving, communication with other road users is essential.
This communication on the road can be described as announcing your intentions to others, while at the same time understanding the intentions of fellow drivers and pedestrians.
If we have effective communication of our intentions, camaraderie is built on our road, confusion is avoided and everyone benefits by steering clear of more preventable collisions.
There is built-up communication equipment in your car which you must utilise. This set of communication tools includes turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, headlights, and the horn/hooter. These are very effective means of communicating your intentions.
Signalling Your Intentions
Always signal when you change direction even when you do not see cars around. A car you do not see could hit you.
Watch for other drivers’ signals too.
Always signal before stopping next to or driving away from the curb or edge of the road.
Signal before turning or changing lanes.
Even if you signal, do not assume that the space you wish to occupy is clear. You still have got to check your mirrors and your blind spot before making a lane change.
If you want to turn after an intersection, don’t signal until you are about 50 metres away from the actual turning point. If you signal too early, you confuse other road users about your intentions.
Check your signal after turning. Turn it off in case it has not clicked off by itself.
Turn on your hazard lights (emergency flashers) to communicate about a danger on the road ahead or if you are having trouble with your vehicle.
Failure to switch on your signals is not only unsafe but also exceptionally rude and can bring road rage out in anyone.
Headlight Communication
Ensure that you communicate your presence on the road by switching on your headlights between 5.30pm and 6.30am. In Zimbabwe, this is a legal requirement. You can also use your headlights when it is raining, foggy or overcast to increase your visibility.
Never dazzle the driver of an oncoming vehicle or attempt to retaliate. Headlight glare is a major contributor of road crashes that occur at night.
You may have to flash your headlights under certain circumstances to get the attention of another driver who may not see you or may be erring.
Hooter /Horn Communication
The hooter/horn must only be used to help avoid a potential collision.
Never use the hooter to exchange unpleasantries with another driver or for greeting your friends.
Never honk if slowing or stopping your vehicle will prevent a collision. It’s safer to use the brakes than push the horn.
Driver Communication
The most vital communication tool is you the driver. Making eye contact, body language and using hand signals are critical for effective motorist communication especially when driving through congested intersections.
Your ability to give and decode (receive) non-verbal cues will help clarify everyone’s driving intentions. Below are some tips:
You see another driver continuously looking over their shoulders. If they don’t have their turn signals activated, this is usually a sign that they want to make a lane change.
You are stopped at an intersection and a pedestrian is standing on the street corner. Making an eye contact and exchanging a simple nod is often enough interaction to tell the pedestrian to cross.
You want to make a lane change during rush hour on a freeway. Making an eye contact and politely gesturing with your hand is a great way to get the go-ahead and merge ahead of another driver. This courteous tactic is much more appreciated than someone who abruptly forces a lane change.
When it comes to road safety, communication is definitely critical. Therefore, effective use of your car’s standard communication equipment and non-verbal cues is imperative in order to tame the traffic jungle in Zimbabwe!
Allow me to wish you all a fantastic crash free Christmas and a successful 2014.
The writer, Tatenda Chinoda is a Traffic Safety Officer Marketing and can be contacted on email: [email protected]/[email protected]; cell: 0772 966 075 or phone 04-751203.
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