The date was March 5th of 1995; the place, Ciudad de la Plata; the event, the young Gabriela Fernandez was ran over to death after a drunk driver and in opposite direction ran over her; in her honor, from there, in Argentina is commemorated the day of citizenship awareness day and respect to the neighbor in the transit.
The citizenship awareness focus on road, makes reference to the respect that everyone as road actors must have to other people that we share public streets, whether are pedestrians, drivers of motorized vehicles and of course cyclists.
In short, is a date to reflect about the importance of behave in a conscious way on streets. After all, each of us has a share pf the responsibility for traffic safety.
Citizenship awareness, is it really necessary?
Cases as Gabriela case occurs every day. There’s no place, date neither established hours for traffic accidents, but what can exist is the prevention. However, this depends in every one of us.
Now, if you wonder if is necessary to have citizen consciousness in roads, is important to know a really shocking and sad fact so you can convince about it:
We usually believe, or let’s say, we want to convince ourselves, that the human factor has nothing to do with traffic accidents. In many occasions we want to blame the bad conditions of highways or a mechanic fail in the car if responsible of crashes and runovers. Unfortunately, is all the opposite.
According to the association “Luchemos por la vida”, the 90% of road accidents are caused by a human mistake, for example: improper driving, driving at speed excess, don’t respect the indications or traffic signs, use cellphone, eating while driving, a bad GPS use, not paying attention to road, drive tired, sleepy or under the influence.
On the other case, only the 10% of traffic accidents are due to mechanic fails of car, as tires and breaks in bad conditions, fails in the transmission and the motor, or in lesser extent, the defects in the car direct from factory.
It is shocking that the 90% of traffic accidents, some of them are fatal, can be avoided with the simple fact of being more responsible, solidary and above all, conscious with others. For that, is even sadder than simply decide to ignore to the neighbor.
At world level, this is translated that, per year, over a million of people die in all the world due a traffic accident. This number could be reduced drastically with the fact of having a greater citizen awareness in traffic matters.
How can we contribute to reduce the accidents and deaths?
The answer is in the same concept, being aware of ourselves and others.
Teach topics to children about road, pedestrian and cycling safety from an early age, is one of the best ways to develop a better and greater traffic culture.
Sure, as motorists, respecting the traffic regulations and having in good conditions our vehicle, is the best way to help us.
Another important measure to take, is to act with common sense. This is, if we are not in the optimal conditions to drive, whether driving under the influence, sleepiness or any physical or health impediment, is better not to do it. In this way, we are saving the lives of others and ours.
Having a civic awareness and respect to neighbor in transit is taking care of each other.
Am I a good driver and pedestrian?
An exercise of introspection, let’s question ourselves if we can consider us good or bad drivers, as responsible citizens.
Answer to your insights the following questions, analyze your answer and reflect about future cases:
- Do I prioritize to pedestrian?
- Do I use my cellphone while driving?
- Do I drive after drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs?
- Do I stop in double line or park in prohibited zones?
- Do I always stop before a red light?
- Do I respect the established speed limits?
- Do I keep a safe distance with the vehicle in front of me?
- As cyclist, do I always circulate in the traffic direction and never on sidewalks?
- As pedestrian, do I respect the traffic lights and pedestrian bridges?
- Do I always cross at corners and pedestrian crossings?
