National Traffic Awareness Month in August draws our attention to Traffic Safety Awareness. Every day, tens of hundreds of people, both pedestrians and drivers or passengers, become victims of avoidable vehicle accidents. Such accidents can be extremely detrimental, emotionally as well as physically, for the people involved. Moreover, loss of life or limb can put unnecessary economical burdens on families and individuals. Yet, the good news is that with proper care and attention to traffic safety rules, such incidents can be prevented from occurring. From following the traffic rules when driving or riding a vehicle, to walking on the correct side of the road as a pedestrian, together we can bring positive changes to our lives and others.’
History of National Traffic Awareness Month
National Traffic Awareness Month aims to shed light on the safety rules that can help prevent major or minor accidents from taking place. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year more than one million people become victims of fatal traffic accidents. The organization also reports that about 20 to 50 million people are injured in traffic-related incidents. The WHO and other agencies state that these statistics should be taken with a pinch of salt because these cases are only the ones that are reported and many other cases go unreported. Around 60% of accidents occur in just nine countries, which include India, China, Mexico, and Russia. Once a traffic accident occurs, the people involved can suffer from emotional, physical, social, and economical burdens. Having to take care of all these traumas can become difficult.
Globalization has led to many people traveling in vehicles and also being able to afford them. It has become important, now more than ever, to know and adhere to traffic safety rules. Studies show that many traffic accidents happen when people are not adhering to the speed limit. By either going over the speed limit or under it, vehicles can become a nuisance on the road, especially for those who are driving at the recommended speed. Another factor is people being distracted while driving, and these distractions can be anything from not paying attention to the road or the vehicles around you, or talking on your mobile phone or with other passengers while at the wheel, to eating/drinking/being drunk while driving. Pedestrians also contribute significantly to the high percentage of traffic accidents that occur. They either cross roads from undesignated areas, or they do so carelessly. Some pedestrians also walk in the wrong direction of the road or do not wear bright colors or neon-colored clothing to alert the drivers at night. Many research studies have shown that most pedestrian-related road accidents occur during dusk/twilight or at night.
National Traffic Awareness Month timeline
Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot’s steam-powered vehicle crashes into a wall in France, with the incident being recorded as the first automobile crash in the history of the world.
Irish scientist Mary Ward is thrown out of a moving vehicle and under the wheels, resulting in her death.
The first recorded car crash in America involves John Lambert and James Swoveland crashing their car into a tree.
Globalization leads to an increase in traffic accidents, which result in major and minor fatalities and injuries.
National Traffic Awareness Month FAQs
Is April National Distracted Driving Awareness Month?
Safe driving without any distractions is observed during National Driving Awareness Month in April.
How many people have died texting and driving in 2020?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 434 car accidents caused by cell phone usage.
Why is distracted driving dangerous?
Undistracted driving is a necessity as it minimizes traffic accidents, drastically reducing fatalities and major or minor injuries. Traffic awareness can also ensure a smooth flow and function of the traffic.
How To Observe National Traffic Awareness Month
Pay attention to the road
Whether you are a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, you will be using the road in some way or the other. This is why it is crucial that you pay attention to all that is happening around you. By being alert, you will ensure the safety of yourself as well as others.
Encourage traffic safety rules
Part of being a responsible citizen in today’s world is being responsible by adhering to the traffic safety rules. Always follow them, and encourage others to do so, too.
Pledge for traffic safety and awareness
It is of utmost importance that we take care of our lives while we can. Living life on the edge by speeding or crossing the road during heavy traffic can bring a momentary thrill, but it can also result in irreversible damage. So, this August, pledge to keep to all the traffic safety rules.
5 Facts About Cars That Will Blow Your Mind
Less than a month to the moon
At a speed of 60 miles per hour, it would take less than a month to drive your car to the moon.
One billion cars in use
There are a whopping one billion cars in use in the world, and this means that for every seven people, there’s one car available.
30,000 unique car parts
The average car has 30,000 unique car parts.
Most Rolls Royces are still in use
Of all the Rolls Royces ever sold, 75% are still in use, hustling and bustling on the road.
The U.S. uses a lot of gas
The U.S. alone uses half the world’s supply of gasoline.
Why We Love National Traffic Awareness Month
It’s a reminder of traffic awareness
Traffic awareness rules are in place for our safety. Following them and making sure the people around us follow them is part of our civilian duty. While we have the police, insurance, and hospital departments to take care of us, it is still better to practice caution at all times.
It’s a reminder of safety
As they say, better safe than sorry. This phrase cannot hold any truer when it comes to the rules of the road. Practicing safety is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing. It will also teach the young adults and children in our lives to be cautious while being on the road.
It’s a celebration of life
Life has many great moments in it. Some we have experienced already and would like to experience again, while some are waiting for us to experience them in the future. The only way we can reach all such moments is if we value our life, and protect it well.
National Traffic Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 1 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 1 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 1 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 1 | Tuesday |
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