Road accidents are unfortunate events for any road user. Understanding the causes of road accidents is key to accident prevention. Learning to correct human errors on the road reduces the chances of accidents.
In Kenya, most road users understand the basic rules while on the road. However, accidents still do occur. This article informs road users of various causes of road accidents in Kenya.
Also, read– the cost and types of car insurance in Kenya.
Below is a list of causes of accidents in Kenya.
Overspeeding
While it is a natural psyche for drivers to speed on the road, it is a leading cause of fatal accidents. In every stretch of the roads in Kenya, there are permissible speed limits. Mostly this is ignored by drivers. However, the speed limits are meant to avert potential accidents. So, next time you hit the road observe speed limits and avoid accidents.
Speeding vehicles are more likely to cause fatal accidents than slow-moving vehicles. The high impact causes the fatality of speeding vehicles. Additionally, the braking distance for a speeding car is longer than that slow one.
Distracted drivers
The ability to avoid road accidents is determined by the level of driver situational awareness. There are various reasons why a driver may be distracted. Among the causes of distraction are:
Drunk driving
Alcohol impairs drivers’ situational awareness, judgment and reaction time. Drunk driving is a cause of accidents in Kenya especially at night and during weekends and public holidays. So next time you go partying have a designated driver or take a cab.
In some cases, medical drugs may induce an effect similar to alcohol. Your doctor will advise you on when to take the drugs and whether you can drive or not. Do not ignore it.
Stress and fatigue
When stressed or fatigued it is advisable you take a rest before driving. However, if it is mandatory for you to travel take a cab or have a driver. Stress can be caused by losing a loved one, a bad day at work, or being in a dispute.
Music and phones
Adjusting a music system and talking on the phone while driving distract the driver from concentrating on the road. Avoid such habits.
Unattended pets
Unattended pets within and outside the car can cause distraction. Imagine that favorite pet jumping on the driver while driving or a driver avoids hitting a pet. The two scenarios are distracting to drivers. Kindly, attend to your pet or fasten it while in the car.
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Banners, billboards and sceneries
This may sound funny but it is not funny. In a normal situation, a vehicle moves in the direction that the driver is looking.
So, if the driver looks right the vehicle moves right, and so forth. Staring in one direction, objects, billboards and scenery may cause an accident. Now you know. Safely park the vehicle and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road.
Failing to observe traffic rules
Simple traffic rules such as observing traffic lights may mean safety or accidents. Always observe traffic rules. Familiarize yourself with the traffic rules.
Carelessness among road users
Careless habits among road users are among the causes of road accidents in Kenya. Changing lanes with no care among drivers amounts to carelessness.
Pedestrians too are careless when crossing the road. For instance, crossing the road at an undesignated point, and using phones.
Boda Boda operators are among the notorious road users who are careless. Their level of carelessness starts from not observing highway code and impatience on the road.
Failure to use safety gears
Safety gears are designed to avoid and reduce fatality in an accident. Safety gears such as helmets and safety belts reduce accident impacts hence reducing fatality. Reflectors and life saver triangles are important in alerting other road users of your presence long before they reach you. In this event, they serve to avoid accidents.
Also, read–actions to take when involved in a road accident
What are the consequences of road accidents
Having looked at the causes of road accidents in Kenya, of importance now are the consequences. Below are the consequences of accidents.
- Property damage and loss
- Disabilities
- Loss of life
- Cascading effects on victims’ families
- Health bills burdens
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How to prevent road accidents
Road safety education and awareness
Design safe roads and vehicles
Conclusion
There are various factors that contribute to the causes of accidents in Kenya. However, the number of accidents can be reduced with the right road education, road design, and legal enforcement.