When a car and pedestrian collide, the result could be severe injuries or even death. It is absolutely essential that drivers take the time to identify situations where pedestrians may be at risk and take action before an accident can occur. Safety Dave is committed to keeping all Australians safer, offering a wide range of high quality reversing cameras, first aid, fire safety and AED defibrillator products for home or business applications. Safety is our priority, so let’s have a look few ways drivers can keep themselves, and those around them, safer every day.
Avoid Driving Distracted
Almost everyone is guilty of some form of distracted driving. Whether it’s changing a radio station, using a mobile phone, eating a sandwich or fiddling with navigational equipment – there are so many ways to be distracted while driving. A simple thing you can do when driving is to focus on the road and the other motorists and pedestrians around you. Don’t use driving as a chance to multi-task, stop and have your lunch, call a friend or reply to a text. Being focused on the road and your surroundings is one of the simplest ways of keeping safe.
Check Your Mirrors and Perform Head Checks
Ensuring you are aware of what is happening to not only to your front, but also your left, right and rear is guaranteed to make you a safer driver and could even save a life. As a general rule you should check your mirrors every 8 – 10 seconds and check your blind spots with a head check before you turn or merge. You must use your mirrors and check your blind spots before:
- Changing lanes and merging
- Leaving or returning to the kerb
- Reversing – to make sure check for pedestrians behind you
- Turning left – looking for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles that could be beside you in your blind spot
- Turning right – looking for vehicles that may be overtaking you
- Joining the traffic stream
Reduce Speed Near Intersections, School Zones and Shopping Strips
When approaching these zones, it’s always smart to slow down and scan the area for pedestrians. It’s not only drivers that can be distracted, many people walk along texting, talking or listening to music via headphones. If you are driving in an area that has schools, remember that children are often not looking around for cars. In a street with bars, restaurants, shops or sports arenas, it’s essential that you reduce your speed and be aware of people hurrying across the road without being completely focused on their surroundings.
Install a Reversing Camera
A recent Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) study found that vehicles fitted with reversing cameras are around 40% less likely to be involved in a back over crash. This highlights just how important technology can be in preventing injuries and saving lives. Reversing cameras provide the driver with maximum visibility behind their vehicle, so whether they are reversing out of a driveway or parking spot, they are much more likely to avoid hitting a pedestrian that walks behind their car.
Pedestrians comprise the largest single road user group, almost everyone is a pedestrian at some point. Incidents between a vehicle and pedestrian can be fatal, so it’s vital that all drivers to whatever they can to keep pedestrians safe. From paying attention to the road and obeying traffic signals and speed limits, there are many things that can be done to prevent these tragic accidents.
If you are looking to install reversing cameras to your vehicles, Safety Dave is here to help. With a range of high quality safety equipment, we have a reversing camera, first aid kit or defibrillator for sale that suits your needs and budget. Get in touch with us online now or call us today on 1800 072 338.
