Road safety continues to be a global concern. International statistics show that while road safety has improved in developed countries, there has been no significant change in the number of road accidents.

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are now the leading cause of death for people aged five to 29. Moreover, the World Atlas reports that an estimated 3,000 accidents occur daily around the world.

For the Caribbean region, traffic accidents continue to plague our roads. In recent times, there has been an increase in road collision reports in our news. Many of these mashups result from speeding or drunk driving. While both can be considered the leading causes of accidents, other driving practices can result in us placing ourselves, other drivers, and pedestrians in harm’s way.

Additionally, typically, there’s a peak in vehicular accidents over the holidays. Therefore, we think it’s prudent to address one driving practice that must be done with much more care—overtaking.

We want you to master the skill of safe overtaking. So, grab your highway code, and let’s discuss the dos and don’ts.

Road Safety – The Dos of Overtaking

Do overtake only when it’s safe to do so. Leave adequate space between your vehicle and the one you want to pass.

Do move out only after you’ve determined it’s safe. First, check your side mirrors and blind spot, then signal and proceed.

Do drive quickly past the vehicle you’re overtaking. Ensure you leave enough room to merge back left.

Do give way to oncoming vehicles. When passing parked motor vehicles or obstructions, remember oncoming drivers have the right of way.

Do drop back when attempting to pass larger vehicles. To avoid having your view obscured, fall back, as it will allow greater visibility.

Do take better care at night. Be more cautious at night and when visibility is poor.

Road Safety – The Don’ts of Overtaking

Don’t attempt to pass a long vehicle, like a truck, simply because the driver ahead of you did.

Don’t overtake at a pedestrian crossing, or when the vehicle ahead of you has stopped to let a pedestrian cross.

Don’t overtake if you are entering an area that divides traffic.

Don’t overtake when the vehicle ahead of you is indicating right.

Don’t overtake when doing so would force another vehicle to swerve or slow down.

Also, remember to never obstruct a vehicle from attempting to pass. Maintain a steady course and speed or, if necessary, slow down. If someone overtakes, be sure to maintain a two-second gap so that they can pull in ahead of you.

In addition to practicing caution, be courteous. If you’re driving a slow-moving or large vehicle, don’t hold up traffic creating a long queue. Check your mirrors frequently and carefully guide traffic in passing.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Conscientious driving benefits you and other motorists on the nation’s roads. Together we can work to reducing the number of road fatalities.

Let caution and courtesy become your road mantra.

Drive safely and happy holidays!

Sources: The Highway Code, World Health Organization, and World Atlas.