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Common Reasons for Accidents on the Road | DirectAsi

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No one likes accidents, especially when it is fatal. Many motorists get too comfortable behind the wheel after driving for a period of time, thus getting distracted too easily, which may lead to accidents.

Here are 5 types of accidents that occur on the road and how to prevent them:
 

1. Speeding

Speed kills. Accidents caused by speeding usually result in the worst consequences. Although the number of speeding-related accidents decreased by 12.2% from 1,363 accidents in 2014 to 1,197 in 2015, the number of fatal accidents involving speeding increased from 43 in 2014 to 48 in 2015.

Why do people speed? Most of the time they speed because they are in a hurry as they rush for time to their next appointment. Other times, they just enjoy driving their cars and the open road that lies ahead is really tempting to speed.

It doesn’t matter what car you drive – a super car or a humble Asian make – any car is capable of killing, so long as the driver is speeding. In May 2012, Chinese national Ma Chi ran a red light and crashed his Ferrari 599 GTO at 178km/h into a taxi, killing the taxi driver and his passenger instantly. Such tragic incidents remind us to be more responsible with our vehicles, so think twice before you decide to speed.
 

2. Drink driving

The influence of alcohol doesn’t always wind up in happy endings. Drink driving accidents have decreased by 26.4% in 2015 from 182 accidents in 2014 to 134 in 2015, and drivers arrested for drink driving decreased by 23% from 2,982 persons in 2014 to 2,297 in 2015. However, there have been more fatalities involving drink driving, from 12 in 2014 to 14 in 2015.

If you know you will be having a few drinks tonight, leave your car at home or make arrangements for a car valet service to send you home at the end of the night. Drink driving is highly dangerous because you are not in full control and your judgement is marred.
 

3. Rear-end collisions

There are various kinds of collisions – rear-end, head-on, multi-vehicle pile-up and more. One of the most common collisions is the rear-end collision, where a driver follows too closely and is unable to stop in time when the car ahead brakes suddenly.

In such situations, the fault usually lies with the driver who rear-ended the other car. Whiplash is a typical injury caused in collisions and is not something you want to bear, hence always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
 

4. Fire

In April this year, a BMW was literally seen flaming red on the Central Expressway (CTE), with a fire from the engine compartment of the car. The Singapore Civil Defence Force put out the fire swiftly and no injuries were reported, but there was a massive jam on the Expressway.

Just two months before this incident, there were two incidents of cars catching fire – one along Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 and another on the CTE too. While these accidents had no fatalities reported, there was a similar incident last December where a driver was unconscious and trapped in his burning car.

Car fires are typically due to the ignition or electrical faults in the engine, but what makes the fire spread quickly is the presence of flammable liquids in the car such as petrol or diesel, as well as other lubricants.

To prevent such accidents, send your car in for regular servicing and maintenance. Check for any leakage and if you see any smoke or flames coming out of your car, immediately stop it by the side of the road, turn off your engine and get out of the car.
 

5. Fatigue

Feeling sleepy at the wheel is not uncommon, especially if you have had a long day at work and a lack of sleep from the night before. Fatigue will affect concentration levels and nodding off at the wheel might send the car into another vehicle in the next lane or off the road onto the sidewalk into a tree or railing.

Exhausted drivers will be fighting hard to stay awake, thus reducing attention to the road and impairing reaction time. The danger in fatigued drivers is that he or she may not realise that the car is headed for a crash until it is too late.

If you had a late night or are experiencing a lapse of concentration, ditch the car. Drinking coffee may not be the best solution!

Ultimately, keep safe on the roads and be responsible towards your loved ones and other motorists. Also, remember to have a comprehensive insurance plan for your vehicle so you are protected.
 

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cheryl-tay

Cheryl Tay first established herself in the world of cars and motorsports. In her career, she has rubbed shoulders with top executives and personalities in the automotive world.