Traffic Laws Matter: 4 Things You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe on the Road

Thousands of people take to the road every day.  

Unfortunately, many of them will experience the trauma of a road accident, which could result in serious injuries, fatalities, and damage to vehicles and property.  

 The tragedy is that many accidents are avoidable, and the risk of injury or fatality can be minimised. By following traffic laws and a few safety principles, you can help keep yourself and others safer on the road. 

Key statistics: the reality of road risks

Every year, road accidents result in approximately 1.2 million deaths worldwide. Based on 2023 statistics, adults make up two out of three deaths caused by road accidents and road accidents are the leading cause of death for children and youth. In addition, road accidents will cause between 20-50 million people to suffer non-fatal injuries every year, many resulting in a disability.   

Road accidents also come with a significant economic cost – for individuals, companies and society. Currently, it’s estimated that road accidents cost between 1-3% of Gross Domestic Product, and in some instances, it’s as high as 6%.  

Where data is available on work-related travelling, it shows worrying trends: 

• 18% of driver deaths are related to trips to and from work 
• 12% of driver deaths relate to those who drive professionally 
• 5% of driver deaths can be attributed to work-related driving, such as making deliveries or travelling to appointments 

A road accident could be caused by any number of things, including disregard for traffic laws, poorly maintained and unsafe roads, bad weather and vehicle malfunctions. Though these factors are often out of a road-user’s control, there are simple steps you can take to minimise risk, protect yourself and make the road a safer place. 

If you’re driving, for work or pleasure, make sure you’re following these common safety principles. 

1. Adhere to traffic laws

Obeying the traffic laws of any country is critical, as they prevent accidents, save lives, and promote predictable, considerate driving. 

Study up on your destination’s traffic laws and road signs so you can drive safely in a new place.

Established to protect all road users – from drivers and passengers, to pedestrians, to cyclists – traffic laws include speed limits, seatbelt requirements and right-of-way guidelines. Many countries also strictly prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs often enforcing zero-tolerance policies or strict blood alcohol concentration limits​. 

When travelling to a new country, familiarise yourself with local traffic regulations before driving. This will help keep you safe as you navigate an unfamiliar environment, ensuring you drive responsibly and avoid unnecessary risks.  

2. Buckle up to save lives 

Enforced through measures like fines, checks, and awareness campaigns, wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of serious or fatal injuries in road traffic accidents. 

The Global status report on road safety 2023 details that while seatbelt laws are mandatory in 170 countries, only 117 met WHO best practice, which requires occupants to buckle-up in both front and rear seats. Sixty-three countries report tracking seatbelt use through national data systems, but only 12 reported a compliance level of least 80% for front and rear seat passengers. In contrast, self-reported seatbelt use varied widely, with 50%-80% of drivers, and 30%-60% of passengers stating they wear seatbelts. 

Seatbelts save lives and reduce injury by: 

Reducing risk 

Seatbelts lower the risk of death or serious injury by up to 50% for drivers and front-seat passengers, and from 25-75% for rear passengers. 

Preventing ejection and interior contact 

Seatbelts prevent the momentum of a sudden stop from propelling a driver or passenger into the dashboard, windshield, or another passenger.  

Distributing impact 

A seatbelt spreads the force of a crash across stronger areas of the body, like the chest, shoulders and pelvis, protecting vital organs. 

Before you start your engine, buckle up. This simple step only takes a few seconds and could save lives.

3. Maintain a safe following distance

Ensuring a safe following distance helps prevent rear-end collisions by providing drivers with enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.  

Always ensure there’s sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Many countries’ traffic laws set the measure of a safe following distance at two to four seconds, which translates into the length of two to three cars. This gives you time to react to sudden hazards or unpredictable behaviour. 

In bad weather, heavy traffic, or when driving behind larger vehicles that limit your visibility, increase the distance by a minimum of two seconds.  

4. Drive defensively: anticipate and react

Even when you’re follow traffic laws and doing everything you can to stay safe, there are always risks on the road. By adopting defensive driving – that is, by staying alert and consciously avoiding distractions – you’re prepared to adjust your driving to changing road conditions. 

Expect the unexpected 

Stay alert and anticipate potential errors from other drivers, such as sudden braking or changing lanes without signalling. Watch out for pedestrians, any sudden changes in traffic, or adverse weather conditions. 

Risks can appear without warning. By staying alert and keeping a safe following distance, you give yourself a chance to avoid a sudden risk.

Minimise distractions 

Ensure passengers understand that you have to focus on the road, make sure they are buckled up before you start driving, and do not let them distract you. Ensure other potential distractions, like the radio or phone alerts, are set to a comfortable volume that will not steal your attention from the road. 

Do not use your phone 

Using or checking a phone while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents. That second of checking your phone costs you a critical moment of attention – one that can make the difference between life and death.  

If you’re navigating using your phone, ensure it’s mounted on a handsfree device and will not interfere with your driving. Best practice is to switch your phone to Do Not Disturb, so that pop-ups and alerts won’t grab your attention.  

Emergency steps following an accident

If you are involved in, or witness an accident, try to remain calm and follow these steps: 

1. Stop the vehicle and, if possible, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers on the road. 
2. Check for injuries. Assess your personal injuries and, if you’re able to, check your passengers. Do not move anyone with severe pain or potential back or neck injuries, unless absolutely necessary. 
3. Call for help. Contact emergency services for medical and police assistance. If travelling abroad, contact the local emergency number(s) you were provided with upon departure. 
4. Document the scene. If possible, take photos of the scene. Include all vehicles involved and their damage. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties involved. 
5. Report the incident. Notify your insurer or assistance provider as soon as possible for further support. 

Small habits, big impact

Understanding and complying with traffic laws is everyone’s responsibility. By following these recommended road safety principles, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe.  

For extra peace of mind, make sure you or your employees are covered by an emergency response company that can provide reliable and efficient help if an accident does occur.  

At Assist360, we are used to operating in complex areas and arranging the best medical assistance despite on-the-ground challenges.  

Read more about our experience on our Case Studies page, and reach out to learn about our services.