National Highways has spent £200,000 in new tools and training for all traffic police to help move broken down vehicles, including electric cars, to safety in less time and keep traffic flowing, according to a press release on GOV.UK. In a bid to enhance road safety, over 260 National Highways cars used by traffic officers have been fitted with battery boosters and plastic skates, also known as Slippery Jims. The National Highways unveiled this kit on 8th February during the launch of the Go Left campaign’s last phase.
According to the customer service director at National Highways, Mel Clarke, no one plans for their vehicles to break down. But when the unexpected happens, the new kit will reduce the time it takes to move stranded vehicles out of a live line to a safe place. Adding this new equipment in traffic officers’ vehicles will enable the officers to move cars to safety more effectively hence improving road safety hassle-free. Read on to learn other practical techniques that make roads safer.
Enforce Speed Limits
Setting speed limits on roads is one of the most effective ways of encouraging motorists to drive safely. Speed limits indicate which speeds are safe by informing drivers of the maximum speed they should maintain in different areas. For example, in residential areas, speed limits are lower than those set on A-roads and motorways. Because roads in residential places serve multiple users, setting low-speed limits helps drivers avoid hitting cyclists, children, jaywalkers and pets.
In most cases, speed limit signboards are designed with visible highlights and placed at intervals, especially in areas prone to accidents. In addition to placing speed limit signs, traffic officers use various ways to enforce speed limits. These tactics include using speed cameras and imposing penalties and fines for speeding.
Leveraging Automotive Technology
Today’s automakers integrate advanced technology in cars to make driving enjoyable while minimising risks. Vehicle technologies making roads safer include connected mobile apps, artificial intelligence, telematics, sensors and cameras, and driver-assist systems. The use of backup cameras and dash cams helps drivers prevent blind spots by providing a 360-degree view of their surroundings. These cameras also record footage of events around the driver when on transit.
The footage recorded by in-vehicle cameras comes in handy when you’re involved in a car accident. Typically, when consulting a lawyer for car accidents, the first thing they’ll ask for is evidence from the crash scene. Your attorney will review the recordings from the dashcams to gather proof of the person responsible for the crash and ensure you receive a fair judgement.
Regular Road Maintenance
Keeping roads in good condition is crucial to improve the durability of roadways and reduce the risk of vehicle accidents. Road maintenance involves filling potholes, applying a new surface dressing, and sealing cracks. Fixing potholes might sound obvious, but it goes a long way in preventing damage to vehicle tires and brake suspension, which often result in fatal accidents.
Road safety is a major concern for road users and traffic authorities worldwide. However, implementing policies alone isn’t enough to reduce the risk of accidents. For this reason, traffic authorities are enforcing different strategies, including setting speed limits, encouraging the use of vehicle technologies, and regular road maintenance.
