A great many deaths occur as a result of accidents. Accidents are also responsible for a lot of injuries, both serious and minor. In many cases, these accidents could have been prevented if people had just been a bit more careful. Not enough of us think about safety.
Take road accidents, for example. Police say that far too many fatalities and injuries on our roads caused by people driving vehicles too fast. Drivers should observe the speed limits and make our roads a safer place for all of us.
Police also say that the number of accidents could be greatly reduced if drivers concentrated more on their driving. Too often, drivers are thinking about work problems, talking to passengers in the car, reading a map, eating a snack or even talking on a mobile phone. In some countries, it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving, but some drivers ignore this law.
Pedestrians, also, should take care on the roads so they do not cause road accidents. It is important that they cross at pedestrian crossings when these are available. When there are no crossings pedestrians should look both ways before crossing. Too many people just rush across roads without paying attention.
There is, unfortunately, quite a high accidents rate among cyclists on the roads. They can help to prevent many of these accidents by making themselves visible to motorists. They can wear bright clothing and wear something reflective that can be seen in the dark. In order to lessen the effects of any injury they might receive, cyclists should always wear protective helmets.
It is not only on the roads that we should think about safety. A great many accidents around the home could be prevented if we just take care. Indeed, safety first should be our motto all the time.
Vocabulary
Minor—not serious
Fatality—death
Visible—that can be seen
