ROAD ACCIDENTS SAFETY AMONG TEENAGERS

Abstract

Speed is a contributing factor in around one-third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high-income countries, and up to half in low- and middle-income countries. Long, straight roads which pass by schools, residences and businesses and which facilitate travel at high-speed place children at significant risk. A major risk to children as pedestrians, cyclists and passengers in vehicles are people who drink and drive. Consuming alcohol before driving increases not only the chance of a road traffic crash occurring, but also the likelihood that death or serious injury will result. For children, wearing a helmet is the single most effective strategy for reducing the risk of injury to the head while riding bicycles or motorcycles. For children who are occupants of a vehicle, a range of restraints is available to protect them. These include infant car seats, child car seats, booster seats and seat-belts, and their use depends on the age, weight and height of the child.