Paul Messam, Contributor
This Red Toyota Carolla motor car travelling along the Temple Hall main road in Castleton, St. Mary, crashed into an embankment while trying to avoid hitting a bus travelling in the same direction on Thursday, May 5. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
IT IS unfortunate that each year many motorists lose their lives in auto accidents. By any measure one road accident is one too many.
Many drivers on the Jamaican roads take risks without realising the potential dangers. A defensive driver does not take risks and therefore has no need to voluntarily confront real danger. Jamaica's roads and newly built highways are not bull rings, where we all must prove ourselves in the face of peril.
Roger Ward in his book Guide to Good Driving, explained that many credit better automobiles and improved highways exclusively for keeping the traffic toll in check. Dr. Hame Persaud, General Practitioner is of the view that "driving is essentially an activity of the mind, and our bodies are important only in that they translate the impulses of our thoughts as we meet and attempt to solve the challenges of the road."
"'All motorists should be drug-free and stress-free" said Dr. Persaud. He feels that there are too many drivers on the roads who are driving, but are like sitting volcanoes. He stated that drivers should get a medical check-up at least once a year to determine if they have diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol.
"A drivers body should be well rested to begin his or her day" said Dr Persaud. According to him, the most wonderful, joyful feeling is one experienced after a good night's sleep, when one feels absolutely refreshed. Adequate rest will improve alertness and a sense of confidence to cope with life and the rigours of the road.
"Proper diet and vitamin D are necessary to strengthen our skin and bones and improve one's sight" he further adds. "The calcium and phosphorous levels maintained by adequate sunshine are vital for a stable nervous system, normal heart action and normal blood clotting mechanism. Adequate sunlight improves the strength of our eye nerves. In fact, sunlight helps to correct the rods and cones which are visual receptacles."
"'By observing the road code and using good judgement, restraint, and applying the principles and practices of defensive driving, we reduce the possibility of the disgusting high motor vehicle causalities" said Major Desmond Brown, managing director of Advanced Driver Training Centre (ADTC) in Lakes Pen, St Catherine.
Dr Ruth Doorbar, Consultant Clinical Psychologist believes that re-training of drivers is of paramount importance as there are too many drivers on the roads who just do not know how to recognise a hazard."
Proper driving techniques and being courteous behind the wheel are important to safe driving" said Dr Doorbar. She feels that the rules which govern the proper use of the road should be adhered to at all times with no compromise as follows:
Stay in control of your vehicle. Hold the steering wheel, do not clutch it. Gripping the steering wheel as if it's a mainspring, can lead to fatigue. Fatigue comes quickly when muscles are taut, so every effort must be made to remain physically relaxed, while keeping mentally alert.
Do not give up if you lose control. Some accidents could have been avoided if the drivers involved did not give up so easily. Skid can be corrected by steering in the direction to which the car is skidding.
Drivers must avoid a head-on collision at all cost. This action is nothing but lethal. A head-on collision is almost guaranteed to take lives.
Avoid brake failure. "The seriousness of brake failure depends on where it occurs" advises Anthony Mitchell, a Kingston-based auto mechanic. "If you lose your brakes on Stony Hill, you are in big trouble. He advises that a motorist should try to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible rather than drive out of trouble. The first indication of brake failure is a limp pedal that goes to the floor-board. Try pumping the pedal vigorously to see if some stopping action can be activated.
Do not drive one-handed. A conscious driver always has both hands on the wheel. Also stay clear of road rage. Remain calm and in control.
Never show-off with your motor vehicle. Resist the temptation, and do not abuse the vehicle by charging around corners allowing the tyres to scream in protest or shout with excitement. It is a poor way to get attention.
Exercise good road manners by using "please", "Thank you"' "I'm sorry", "may I" as required.
Ensure that the motor vehicle is in perfect repair. And remember that the key to entire operation of driving is the driver. An excellent driver can offset a poor vehicle, but an excellent automobile can seldom offset a poor driver.
Have a safe and peaceful 2006.
