Fatal Accident Highlights Importance of Road Safety

Road safety sign.Photo byDario MorandottionUnsplash

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According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner Case records, on Sunday, February 25, at around 6:30 AM, a man was fatally involved in an accident.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner case record number was 2404834, and the accident happened in Parker County.

The deceased was identified as 40-year-old Lee Colt Bourland, his address was 2122 Deerwood Court, Weatherford, Texas 76087. Paramedics who responded pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Fort Worth Police Department reported that the man had been part of a minor traffic accident with a semi-truck. Afterward, he pulled over to the roadside to discuss the incident and share necessary information. While awaiting a tow truck and in the process of standing outside his car, the man was hit by a passing vehicle.

Importance of Road Safety

Heightening road safety is important in protecting all people using the road, including drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, and roadside workers. The dangers associated with driving for work are meaningful, yet of an employee's level of experience or time spent operating a vehicle.

Road traffic crashes are also the world's leading cause of death for children and young adults 5–29 years of age. Know the risks and take steps to protect your health and safety whether you are on the road at home or abroad.

Speed Limits and Traffic Signals

The Texas law for running a red light states that a driver must stop at a steady red signal. They must remain stopped until they are indicated to proceed. Running a red light is a Class C misdemeanor in the State of Texas.

The speed limit sign functions as a notice on the road. These signs are crafted to give a legal top or bottom speed that vehicles on the road must stick to. Drivers must abide by the speed limitation told on the sign. These signs normally take on a vertical direction and are rectangular, acting as an important part of road signage.

Pedestrian Safety

Guaranteeing the safety of pedestrians, especially children, concerns supplying them with protected areas for walking and playing, ensuring they are adequately watched near roads, and instructing them to be careful when crossing streets.

Below is s list of strategies for pedestrian safety:

• Don't assume the driver has seen you.
• Cross only at designated pedestrian crossings.
• Avoid crossing at the front or back of buses and large vehicles.
• Don't be distracted by your phone and remove headphones before crossing roads.
• Always look out before you step out.
• Plan so you're not rushing to catch the bus.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is dangerous.

Three types of distraction can occur while driving:

1. Manual. Anything that takes your hands off the wheel. ...
2. Visual. Anything that takes your eyes off the road. ...
3. Cognitive. Anything that takes your mind off the task of driving.

Drivers who are distracted bear the risk of losing control of their vehicles, leading to devastating results. The ramifications of accidents arising from distracted driving extend beyond sheer vehicle damage, often resulting in the loss of lives, broken families, and financial hardship. Each year, numerous people suffer damage or lose their lives due to the actions of distracted drivers.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving refers to the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs, fatigue, or distractions like using a cell phone or texting.

In a charge of impaired driving, being impaired means that the driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle was compromised as a result of drinking alcohol or doing drugs.

Road Maintenance and Visibility

Road maintenance contains activities performed on a range of roads, be it highways or smaller rural routes. The main purpose of this work is to keep the durability, safety, and functionality of these roads, regardless of their size or type.

Maintenance involves a various array of tasks created to keep the pavement, shoulders, slopes, drainage facilities, bridges, ferries, and other infrastructure within the state trunk highway system.

The goal is to maintain these elements in a condition that closely compares to their original or renewed state.

Conclusion

Road safety includes obeying traffic laws and signs. Guaranteeing pedestrian safety and not driving impaired. Avoiding driving distracted and being aware of road maintenance.

References

TARRANT COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER’S CASE RECORDS: case number 2403804

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