Sun Feb 05 2023 10:09:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) - QikTruck Media
Road safety is the utmost priority when it comes to the security of both drivers and pedestrians, and proper sight distance is a key factor in ensuring the safety of the South African roadway. Sight distance describes the horizontal distance that a driver is able to see down the roadway, serving as an indicator of how much time they may have to react to a hazard, or to take evasive action in riskier situations. Unfortunately, many roadways in South Africa have inadequate sight distance for the potentially hazardous situations that can easily arise due to reckless driving. Today, let’s explore the importance of proper sight distance, and why it is so essential to the lives of South African citizens.
95% of all road crash deaths worldwide occur in low- and middle-income countries, and South Africa is no exception. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, South Africa's road traffic injury mortality rate is one of the highest in the world. It is estimated that over 12,500 people are killed on South African roads each year, and a further 7300 are fatally injured. This is equivalent to one road traffic fatality every 23 minutes.
Given the fact that South Africa has such a high number of fatalities due to poor road safety initiatives, it is no surprise that proper sight distance is so vital in our country. Proper sight distance helps drivers to detect, identify and react in a timely and safe manner to the upcoming danger while they are on the roads. A driver will more easily be able to identify a potential hazard and respond with more time, aiding in the prevention of an accident or collision.
Ultimately, this aids in the prevention of a number of accidents, ensuring the safety of everyone on the roads. Proper sight distance does not just benefit drivers, but also pedestrians who may be on the side of the potholes, faulty roads, no roadside signs etc. These obstacles reduce the visibility of approaching vehicles, which can put pedestrians at risk and can potentially result in injury or death.
Aside from death and injury, it is not uncommon for drivers to be involved in accidents due to poor sight distance, because they may not be able to see oncoming traffic in time. Poor sight distance also results in drivers having to travel at slow speeds, which increases the amount of traffic on the roads and reduces overall road safety. Low visibility also increases the amount of time it takes for drivers to respond to the potential for an accident and other unfavorable conditions.
Furthermore, inadequate sight distance on South African roads has created a dangerous situation for drivers who may have an impaired view. These drivers may not be able to see hazards as easily as drivers with normal sight, and may be more likely to become involved in an accident. Lastly, South Africa’s roads are known to be very crowded, which exacerbates the issue of inadequate sight distance, as drivers will not be able to identify other vehicles quickly enough.
It is clear that proper sight distance is the key to a safe road experience in South Africa. QikTruck is here to help customers be safe while they are on the roads, by providing reliable and safe transportation solutions. We always ensure that our trucks and drivers adhere to the highest level of safety standards regarding sight distance. Our drivers pass a strict safety training and are equipped with the latest safety gear, including additional mirrors and sensors that can alert the driver to potential hazards in a timely manner. As a result, customers can always depend on us for a safe and secure trip.
QikTruck is highly committed to the preservation of the environment in South Africa, and we ensure that all our trucks are up to date and maintain high levels of safety standards. Our trucks are designed to consume as little fuel as possible when transporting goods, ensuring that the environment is not adversely affected by our actions. Plus, we have a deep commitment to our customers, and we are always available to assist in any way possible. Our team of experienced customer service and sales personnel provide helpful advice and assistance with finding the best solutions to fit the customer’s needs.
At QikTruck, we understand the importance of proper sight distance and the importance of prioritising the safety of our customers. That is why we strive to provide the most cost-effective and reliable transportation services in South Africa to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our customers. We understand the importance of being able to see hazards on the road, and as such, we guarantee that our vehicles will be serviced to the highest standard so customers can have a worry-free experience on their journey. Contact us today to find out how we can provide the most reliable and cost-effective transportation services in South Africa and how we can help you be safe when you’re on the roads.