By Terri-Marie Cook
Daily in the news, we are being told of the latest car accident, motorbike incident, or pedestrian knock down. Many resulting in death or permanent injury. This year so far 26 people have died on our roads, and many, many more injured as the toll rises.
Recently the government launched a new ad campaign, and I question are they working. I think personally they should depict the families, and friends that are left to pick up the broken pieces of their shattered lives, rather than showing the twisted wrecks of car bodies. A lot of people think that this wont happen to them, but when we think of our parents and friends, we would not generally cause them grief. So to show the emotional outpouring of a person's loss, would produce a bigger impact.
Recently I joined the Trauma Beyond Road Trauma group. This group was set up by Sally Cook (not related to me), who lost her father as a result of a traffic accident. Her aim was to help others who have lost a loved one, due to road trauma. I have read many of the blogs and it isn't hard to realize the grief these families and friends feel for their loss.
http://journeybeyondroadtrauma.org
Many think it is just young people's inexperience, speed, or alcohol that causes our road carnage... But that isn't always the case. Many of the incidents this year have involved trucks and bad weather conditions. A young lady was travelling a suburban road when a tree branch fell on her car. Another in recent days, was sitting in her car waiting the arrival of her son, due to her obtaining a flat tyre. While she waited on the road's shoulder, a truck ran into the rear of her car. She died at the scene. Her car was reduce to half it's original size. For this victim and her family, it simply was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
What can we do to guard ourselves from being a statistic.
• We can plan our trips... Don't change lanes erratically, know what roads to take and what lanes to be in so we don't cause confusion for others.
• We can make sure our vehicles are mechanically sound.
• We can ensure our mobile phones are turned off while driving.
• We can avoid driving while tired.
• We can avoid driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• We can stop showing off, or hooning in front of our mates.
• We could change our attitude about it happening to us.
• We could stop and think about the cost on our pocket, our family and our friends.
I think the government is trying to do their bit, to curb the trauma on our roads, but at the same time I think it is up to us to be mindful of the road rules and adhere to them. I think it is important to change our thinking... Because road trauma can happen to anyone, including me. I think we need to recognize also, is that what is published and highlighted in the news is just a fraction of what occurs on our roads on a daily basis.
So next time you put the key in your ignition, take a moment to think about your loved ones. Take time to think about the manner in which you will drive, and above all, continually be aware of others in your travels. It may just save your life.
Don't become a statistic!