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Road Accidents Concerning Adolescent

Parmod Sharma

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, Harveer Laura

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Masters of Technology (T.E.) Student, Civil Department, Jagan Nath University, Bahadurgarh, 124507, Haryana, India

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Astt prof., Department of Civil Engineering, Jagan Nath University, Bahadurgarh, 124507, Haryana, India

ABSTRACT

India’s road safety record is among the worst in the world, and Thursday’s incident just underscores how dangerous Indian roads can be, especially for children. Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that almost 43 children die in road accidents across the country each day and the children below the age of 18 years who die in road accidents make up 10.5 percent of all fatalities. 59 cases of fatal road traffic accidents in children aged below 16 years, autopsied during 1 year period were studied. Males accounted for 83.1% cases with male-female ratio of 4.9. The most common age group involved was 13-16 years. Children themselves were at fault in majority of cases. Head injury alone was fatal in 72.9% cases. None of the victim received any treatment or first-aid at the site of accident. 72.9% of victims died with in 6 hrs of accident. The study highlights the pattern of fatalities due to road accidents in children and suggests suitable preventive measures to reduce burden of childhood mortality due to road accidents. Databases of Local Newspaper, save Life foundation, National ,International Journals ,NDTV Diageo, and Magazines regarding Road traffic accident sand traffic safety concerning adolescents were explored to compile a review article.

Despite a huge road safety issue, India does not meet the WHO standards on child safety as the law does not provide the criteria.

A systematic investigation will provide dynamic understanding about the road accidents, incidence, causes & actions for traffic safety among adolescents. According to demographic and clinical data on all accident victims admitted age between 12- 20 year. There were 257 (95.2%) males and 13 (4.8%) females. There were 12 (4.4%) deaths, 9 (75%) due to traumatic brain injuries. Sometime these accidents caused lifetime disablement, injury to victims and big loss for families. (1) Due to vast mechanization of today’s world, youngsters have been provided so many facilities. On one hand all these things are new, fast, attractive, and adventurous and time saving but on the flip side all these things are very harmful to new generation. Avoidance of safety gears, lack of understanding about traffic rules and risk taking behavior is more prevalent among adolescents.

Keywords: Fatal. Motor vechicle Act, Non-existent child safety norms ,Road Accidents of Adolescents, Traffic safety, Fatalities, Speed, Safety rules, Safety Signs ,Traffic laws

Key Messages: Appropriate knowledge of traffic rules, legally age and enough counter checks by traffic police can help to decrease the numbers of accidents among adolescents. Participation of health personnel also required to educate the adolescents in various sections of community about traffic accidents, its causes, consequences and traffic safety measures to bring remarkable change in the knowledge, attitude and practices of adolescents among traffic safety.

INTRODUCTION

43 CHILDREN DIE IN ROAD ACCIDENTS IN INDIA EVERY DAY

15,633 children were killed in road accidents across India in 2015, that boils down to 7 times more deaths caused due to road accidents than due to crimes against children, like murder and foeticide.

More Children Die In Road Crashes Than From Crimes Against Them

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2 road accidents than crimes against children like murder and foeticide.

Despite such shocking statistics, discussions on road safety are often put on the back burner. A proposed amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act that could make safety measures like car seats, seat belts and helmets mandatory for children, is currently languishing with a parliamentary committee.

According to the World Health Organisation, using a child seat decreases the risk of death in a crash by about 70% for infants and up to 80% for small children, and should therefore be made compulsory for safer road practices. It also mentions that the child is safer seated in the rear of a vehicle rather than in the front. Following this guideline countries should have laws restricting children from sitting in the front seat if they are under a certain age (usually between 10 and 12 years) or under a specific height (usually between 135–150 cm).

Despite a huge road safety issue, India does not meet the WHO standards on child safety as the law does not provide for the two criteria listed above

FATAL INJURY

Fatal road accidents are a major cause of childhood mortality up to 16 years of age involving mainly males. Children are themselves at fault in majority of cases. To prevent these early childhood deaths, children should be educated about traffic rules. They should be separated from high-speed highways and safe playgrounds should be developed for their recreation. The cyclists should have proper training and should be encouraged to obey traffic rules. Wearing of safety helmets should be made compulsory even for the cyclists. Smaller children should not be left unattended by parents near the roads. Special restraining devices should be installed in cars and buses. Walking should be encouraged in children rather than cycling for good health and safe journey.

In one year study period 59 children aged less than 16 years died due to road accidents out of 450 cases (13.1%) out of which 83.1% were males and 16.9% were females. The commonest age group involved was 13-16 years (30.5%) followed by 9-12 years (27.1%) and 6-8 years (20.4%) respectively. There were no fatal accidents before one year of age and after that the incidence increased as the age group increased. The national and state highways accounted for 55.9% of all cases followed by village roads (23.8%).

Pedestrians (61%) were the commonest group of road users killed followed by cyclists (13.6%) 54.2% of fatal accidents occurred in winter season . The majority of accidents occurred between 12-2 PM (27.1%) followed by 2-4 PM (18.6%) and 8-10 AM (15.3%). No accident occurred between 10 PM to 6 AM.Trucks and buses were responsible for 40% of fatal accident followed by cars and jeeps

ROAD SAFETY LAWS IN INDIA LETTING OUR CHILDRENS DOWN

Various reasons have been put forward as possible causes for the accident – overspeeding by the truck driver, rash driving by the bus driver and poor visibility due to the dense fog in the area. However, none of these causes touch upon the most glaring problem of all – poor road behaviour, inadequate enforcement and a legislative framework that does not take children into account.

The result – almost 43 children below the age of 18 are killed in road crashes every single day on our roads.

“The increasing number of incidents involving the deaths of children in road crashes reveals the existing policy gaps with regard to road safety, especially the safety of vulnerable road users like children. Presently, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the sole legislation governing road safety in India, has no provisions to address the safety of children,” says Saji Cherian, Director, Operations, Save LIFE Foundation.

NON-EXISTENT CHILD SAFETY NORMS

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3 The Supreme Court guidelines require drivers of school buses to have a minimum experience of 5 years without a record of previous traffic offences, an attendant to ensure the safety of children, not more children than the seating capacity and provisions for first aid and drinking water, among other things.

Another problem in India is the lackadaisical attitude to road safety, even by the most well-meaning parents. Travelling with children seated on front seats or on their parents’ laps with no harness or seat-belt is never questioned.

“People may wear seatbelts, but mothers continue to put children on their laps. This puts them (the children) at risk and means that the responsibility of law and enforcement does not end with putting on a seatbelt. This is something that we need to realise,” said Dr. Shankar Vishwanath, Consultant to the Mumbai Traffic Police and Advisor to the National Highways Commission, while raising this point at the NDTV Diageo Road To Safety Conclave.

Compare this to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations which specifies the use of child restraint systems for children under a certain age, height and weight, and and restricts children from sitting in the front seat. Child seats are widely considered to be an extremely effective method of ensuring the safety of children, who are the most vulnerable to serious injuries and deaths in collisions, seated in vehicles. The WHO’s Global Report on the Status on Road Safety 2015 says that child seats can decrease the risk of death in a crash by 70 per cent for infants and 80 per cent for small children.

Unfortunately, the Motor Vehicles Act does not even make a mention of these which means that India does not even come close to meeting global norms for vehicular child safety.

With regard to children on two-wheelers, the law, once again, is silent. Around 76 per cent of the traffic on India’s urban roads is composed of two-wheelers, which means that while a significant number of children presumably travel on such vehicles, the law does not take them into account. While helmets are necessary for all vehicles, the Motor Vehicles Act does not have any specifications for child helmets, and thus the provision is not implemented for children.

In fact, several state-level motor vehicle rules, like those in Tamil Nadu, have further diluted this helmet requirement, by specifically excluding children from having to wear helmets.

THE ROAD FORWARD

The good news is that the proposed Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2016 does take a few steps forward in terms of improving the legislative coverage for child safety. If passed, it will make helmets for children riding on two-wheelers and child restraint systems or seat belts for children below the age of 14. Additionally, it requires the central government to issue rules for children under the age of 4 travelling on two-wheelers and proposes a fine of 1,000 for instances where a child is found travelling without any kind of restraint on the driver or guardian.

“While the Amendment Bill has new provisions on the safety of children, this needs to be further strengthened with provisions regarding adult accountability of children during the commute,” says Cherian.

While the swift passage of this bill can help, it alone will not be enough to improve safety for children on India’s roads. Unless there is better enforcement of laws and a larger change in road behaviour, this reality is unlikely to change.

Recognition of Offences Committed by Juveniles (motor vechicle bill 2016)

The bill also covers traffic violations committed by juveniles and places the responsibility on their guardians or on the owner of the motor vehicle involved. They will be let off only if it is proven that the offence was committed without their knowledge or that all due diligence to prevent it was exercised. Apart from this, the registration of the motor vehicle in question will be cancelled. Juveniles themselves will be tried under the Juvenile Justice Act.

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4 One of the most serious effects of road traffic accidents worldwide is physical injuries to young children. Death is considered the major consequence of physical injury. Deaths from road traffic injuries account for around 25% of all deaths from injury. Death is the end of human function and production. After that, physical disability varies in harshness. Disability into two parts: total and partial. Total disability consists of head and spinal injury; whereas, partial consists of lacerations, loss of limbs or fractured bones. The victims of head and spinal injury may be unable to return to their normal lives. (16)They may even require full care all the time. Usually, these conditions are permanent and there are no actual treatments or cures because of the direct injury to the brain and spine, although, there are some rare cases that show physical improvements with limited movement. Often, these patients stay at the hospital for a long time. As for partial injury, there are many examples, for instance, fractures of bones, loss of limbs, abrasions, lacerations and blunt injury. They will stay in hospital until finishing their treatment, and then they will be discharged to their homes. Also, the most common complaint of RTA patients is the persistence of pain after injury.

Effects on Families:-

Families also suffer from their children’s involvement in road traffic accidents. They are considered another hidden victim of RTAs, and need care and support just like other RTA victims or survivors. Families can be affected psychologically and socially. High levels of anxiety, depression, irritability and mood disturbances are the most common psychological symptoms among victims’ relatives. This is related to the shock of losing their close relatives or loved ones. The distress can be temporary or permanent, which really depends on how close they were to the victims. As well, social interaction can be affected. It will be diminished over time if no proper intervention takes place. Families can experience several interpersonal difficulties such as family friction or poor tolerance.

Effects on Countries:-

All the countries in the world are affected by youth road traffic accidents. RTAs influence several sectors in of society. One of the most important influences is on the youth of these countries. Imagine if these countries lost all their young people; they would become aged nations. With all due respect to older people, in reality, the young generation is important to prolonging the life of nations. Because of this, there is a necessity to have the youth healthy and capable of functioning efficiently. RTAs also influence the wealth of these countries. (22) RTAs cost the global community about US$518 billion & it increases economic burden on the country. Thus, road traffic accidents cost human lives, resources, facilities and money. How does this happen? First, the accident kills or handicaps manpower. Then, it damages facilities, and nations need adequate resources to treat this issue. As a result, this presents the economy with a new kind of crisis.

ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION NECESSARY FOR CHILDREN

road safety awareness programs are not only for the age groups above 18. It might seem natural to implement lessons for that age group since it provides assistance to people behind the wheels. However, such lessons should be given from a much younger age considering the present circumstances. Such lessons are needed because of many reasons.

1. Children being more independent

The need for such road safety awareness for children often stems from the single major fact kid's level of intelligence, coupled with their independence had given them access to motor vehicles at a far younger age than it used to be in the past. This has in turn resulted in a greater need of safety lessons to be taught from a much earlier age than the prescribed minimal age for driving. Such lessons make children aware of the legal implications for driving without a license as well as the hazards of dangerous driving. These lessons also teach them about road safety measures while being a pedestrian.

2. Rise in the number of working parents

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3.Increased number of single parents

As a result of increased number of divorced or single parents, children are often forced to be independent in school transportation. Road safety lessons, taught along with the curriculum can, therefore, help them to be safer and to grow as law abiding citizens in future.

4. Access to vehicles

Easy access to gadgets and technology can also mean easy access to vehicles. Teenagers are often attracted to racing bikes. Passion for such risky sports without a legal permit can, therefore, force them to adhere to illegal racing stunts often without much safety precautions. Road safety awareness programs can be implemented along with the traffic personnel which can curb such illegal practices and emphasizes the need for protective gears and proper precautionary measures.

5. Kids learn fast

Road safety lessons taught at the proper age and manner can bring drastic changes in their lives. If properly taught from a young age, this can result in a future generation driving sensibly and abiding the laws. These safety lessons can, therefore, be considered as life skills needed for ethical driving for the society as a whole.

6. Children use the roads

Yes, road safety lessons are needed for children just because they also use the roads. It is their right to be aware of the safety measures provided by their parents and school authorities. Such lessons can help them to avoid dangerous situations while on the roads. Last, but not least is the greatest peace and happiness of the parents as they are being proud of their sensible and knowledgeable kids.

7. Children learn from their parents and elders

With traffic violations being on the rise, children might tend to think that it is normal practice. For example, as more and more young generation avoid wearing helmet while riding two wheelers for convenience or fashion, kids might tend to believe that helmet is not necessary for being safe while riding. Such wrong beliefs can be difficult to change and can invite unwanted risks.

8. Kids lack the ability to accurately judge distance and speed

Children lack the sense to accurately judge distances and speeds like adults. Such miscalculations can often result in rush hour decisions at crucial times; for example, while crossing the road. Such situations can prove fatal if the crossing lacks a traffic signal and in the absence of traffic personnel. Road safety education can help children to be cautious in such situations and help them to make decisions appropriately and safely.

IMPORTANT ROAD SAFETY RULES TO TEACH YOURS CHILDRENS FOR FUTURE SAFETY OR

PREPRATION OF ADOLESCENT FOR SAFETY AS A CHILD

Safety doesn't happen by accident. As a parent, you should be able to create a safe environment for your beloved children. Most parents opt school bus for the safe transportation of children. But you can do more than just ensuring safe transportation of your children. One of the best things you can do is to teach them better about road safety. That way, students will be able to take care of themselves.

There are some basic rules that you can teach them. Here, we have simplified the golden road safety rules as much as possible to help you introduce them to your children:

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Look:-You should advise them to check all the directions before crossing the roads to ensure their own safety. Tell them to look and keep on looking until they feel completely safe. You should tell them to be cautious and look at all directions even before intersections and ramblings. Observation never hurts. The more heedful they are, the better it is.

Think:- “Think before you leap”- this quote is indeed true. Always tell your child to think twice before crossing the road. You should teach them about various traffic signals. Also, remind them to cross the road when the traffic is favourable and by hurrying, things will only get worse.

Listen:-“Learn to be a great listener. Your ears will never get you into trouble”. This quote reflects the truth.

Listening to traffic signals while crossing the road can help you to be safe. You can tell your child to walk straight on the road and warn them not to listen to music while crossing the road or walking through the pavement.

No Running:-Children have a tendency to run and leave your hands while walking on the road. It is your duty to keep your child calm on the streets. Running while on the road can cause serious damage to your child. Hence, this matter should be seriously considered for ensuring child road safety.

Use Zebra Crossings:-You should teach your child the significance of zebra crossings. Your child can safely cross the road using zebra crossings. Hence, you can advise them to use it appropriately. While crossing, you can tell your child to make eye contact with the drivers, to pay full attention on the road, and teach them the importance of doing such things. You should ensure that they have the ability to decide when to cross the road.

Colours:- Colours have a great significance in child road safety. You should teach your child about different traffic signals. Some of the important colours that your child should be aware of – red, green, and yellow. Teach the significance of each colour – red means “stop”, green for “go”, and yellow for “move with caution”.

Not a Play Zone:-While your child goes out for playing, always put some restriction. One such restrictions include preventing them to play near streets or parking areas. Warn them not to run behind their toy or ball as there is a chance for them to reach the streets and tell them to seek the elder's help if such situations occurs.

Bright Clothes:-You should advise your child to avoid using dull coloured outfits while they are on the road. It is your duty to teach your kid to wear bright coloured clothing, even when they go out for bicycling in the streets. This is because bright garments catch the driver's attention easily

Side Walks:-Make sure your child uses pedestrian roads only for walking. If you demonstrate the same to your child they will follow and make it a habit. Tell your child to avoid those roads without side walks for ensuring their own safety.

Children never hesitate to copy adults:- Make sure that you are a good example for them. Practice the safest method before your children, for them to learn and grow. By setting a good example, you can ensure your child’s safety outside the school transportation service circle.

It is found that most of the child deaths ageing between 5 to 14 are due to road accidents. Serious road injuries are not rare. Teaching more about road safety measures can reduce the number of causalities. Be wise!

ACTIONS REQUIRED FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY

1.Knowladges of traffic rules and signs:-

If you walk on the road in night always walk

against headlights so that you will be visible to the driver of another conveyance. - Hold the lamp in night walk to prevent accident.

- Regularly check the tyres brakes, chain and light of bicycle to prevent accident. - Don’t allow to sit anyone on the crossbar of bicycle. Carry anyone on tendon of bicycle. - While cycling before signaling slow down and look at the back.

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7 - Always overtake from the right side.

- While driving two wheel or four wheel motor vehicles always flash dipper, slow down and blow horn before a turn.

- Light, horn and brakes are important/ vital parts to keep on check. It helps to prevent accidents. - Seat belts, airbags and brakes important safety measures of four wheeler

- Always get down from the bus when it’s totally stop

- Get up in the bus from the back door and get down from the front. - Always reduce your speed near hospital, school and in any crowded area. - A detail comprehension of traffic signs before driving.

2. As they say speed thrills and also kills:- Keep a rein on your speed, so that one is in better control of the vehicle. Find out the causes you to speed up. Whether there an urge to speed when you have a driver close behind or it an effort to keep up with the traffic flow. Another reason may be you simply enjoy over-taking. It is especially important to lower speed while nearing schools, on narrow roads, hilly areas, rural areas and when visibility is poor. Wet roads and speed is a perfect recipe for an accident.

3. Obey traffic rules:- Traffic rules have been designed with safety foremost in mind. It takes into account safety for all, including pedestrians. Follow the lane, and keep the required distance between vehicles. It is important to display appropriate indications/signals especially while changing lanes or before a turn. Respect for other drivers on the road is important to road safety.

4. Wear seat belts:- Seat belts are life saving. A statistic has revealed that 63% of those who died in accidents had not strapped on their seat belts. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), lap-shoulder belt systems cut the risk of serious injury and fatality by 50 percent. Seat belts help in protecting the internal organs in a crash as it restrains the forward movement of the body to a great extent. It protects against head and neck injuries by minimizing head contacts and keeps the passenger in place

5. Pedestrians and children come first:-Preference is to be given to pedestrians and children crossing the road.

6. Read caution signs:- Caution signs are very important as they warn about accident prone spots so that the driver can reduce the speed of the vehicle. Signboards on the road are vital clues about road design so that the person behind the wheel can exercise caution.

7. Air bags in vehicles:- Airbags are a must to cushion the impact in case of accidents.

8. Reflectors:- Reflectors to be used on the rear of the vehicle. Ensure all lamps are in working condition. Hazard lamp should be switched on when the vehicle is parked on a highway.

9. Vehicle condition:- Vehicle must be in good working condition- there should be no compromise on the quality of brakes and tyres. Further, it is imperative to inflate tyres with the right air pressure to avoid tyre bursts on road.

10. Roads condition:-Roads should be in good condition with proper sign boards. It is vital to install reflectors on roads so that deviations and medians are clearly visible to drivers.

11. Avoid drugs and alcohol while driving:-Drugs and alcohol can slow down reflexes, disrupt accurate judgments, and cause mental alertness to dip. They have been the reason behind many fatal road accidents.

12. Sleep:-Falling asleep behind the wheel has led to many grave mishaps on the road. Drivers must rest well as the lack of it can have an adverse effect on mental alertness, slow down reflexes, and even cause momentary sleepiness behind the wheel. What follows is a disaster.

CONCLUSION

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8 physical, psychological and economic loss. Traffic safety is an essential part of public health and accident preventions .Most of the people are not aware about the keen importance and need of traffic safety measures among adolescents

REFERENCES

1. Crime in India. National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. 2007

2. Bhalla R.statistical Hand Book Government of National Capital Territory.1srt edition.Delhi: Parveen publishers;2008.

3. Mr.Gaurav Kohli and Manu Sethi Journal of Asia Pacefic Studies,December 2013,Volume 3 No 2,245-259.

4. Diageo|NDTV-ROAD TO SAFETY ,Season-4

References

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