Doctors call on motorists to slow down

The Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) is appealing to motorists to slow down when driving, and to wear their seatbelts. “An accident at a low or reasonable speed (ie, 30 mph) in a modern car will protect the driver and the occupants of the vehicle, but speeds in excess of 60 mph can result in fatalities,” said acting MPATT president, Dr Lakhan Roop. He said it is a clear indication that the speed limit was exceeded several times over when cars are so badly demolished in accidents that the make of the cars is unrecognisable. Roop provided the following advice to reduce risks: always wear a seatbelt; be aware of traffic around by looking ahead, behind and from side to side, and make sure other road users see you and know what you are doing; keep a safe distance from other vehicles; check your mirrors and find your blind spots, and don’t drive in other driver’s blind spots, and don’t make sudden lane changes and use signals; when stopping, check mirrors and begin using breaks from early and stop smoothly; do not crowd your driving space with passengers or belongings.

Roop also reminded road users to keep to the left of the road or in the left-hand lane on multi-lane roads unless one wants to turn right or pass another vehicle; slow down as one comes to intersections and look carefully for traffic lights, pedestrians and cyclists; obey the speed limit and all signs and signals, keep children fastened in their car seats. Roop said the maximum speed limit in towns, villages, and built-up areas is 50 km/h, even where  no signs are posted. Elsewhere, the limit is 80 km/h. He reminded the public to lower their speed in bad weather, in heavy traffic or in a construction zone; slow down when driving at night especially on unlit roads; follow at a safe distance of at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front (or four car lengths), and avoid tailgating.

Roop warned against driving when sick or injured. He stressed that motorists should not drive when they have been drinking alcohol or taking any drug that may reduce ability to drive. He said a designated driver should be chosen. “Don’t drive when you are tired. You might fall asleep at the wheel. Stress and fatigue can affect your driving ability because your thinking slows down. “You can miss things, you may make the wrong decision or not make the right one fast enough.” Drivers must make sure to communicate with other road users to make sure they are seen and have the attention of pedestrians and drivers. “If you want to get another person’s attention, use your horn.” Roop said drivers should try to remain calm and avoid speeding up or tailgating in response to unpleasant situations involving abusive gestures or language from another driver.  MPATT wished the public a safe and accident-free season and hoped there would be no headlines about road tragedies. MPATT said for information on crash testing of various cars, the public could go to: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/crash-test.htm