DANGERS > ROAD > SIDE

Side (Road)

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In this part of the course, we have an in-depth look at the risks that arise when vehicles enter or exit the mainstream of traffic from a side road:

• Into:

•       ⮟ Oblivious

•       ⮟ Blocking

•       ⮟ Obscured

•       ⮟ Hasty

•       ⮟ Speed

• Out Of:

•       ⮟ Blocking
  

•       ⮟ Oblivious

•       ⮟ Obscured

•       ⮟ Hasty

•       ⮟ Speed

•       ⮟ Following Others

? Questions:

• ⮟ Why do we drive on different sides of the road?

• ⮟ Which side of the road is safer to drive on?

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Into

Oblivious

This section highlights that despite being in full view, you cannot assume that the other driver will not proceed into your path while crossing into a side road.

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Blocking

A driver enters a side road very slowly or even coming to a dead stop directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

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Obscured

There are certain physical objects that can limit the view of a vehicle entering a side road and crossing into the path of the main traffic.

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Hasty

A driver entering a side road would take uncharacteristic risks when pressed for time.

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Speed

Speed can be a danger when entering a side road.

Both high and low speeds pose their own unique perils.

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Out Of

Blocking

A driver exits a side road very slowly or even coming to a dead stop directly in the path of an oncoming vehicle.

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Oblivious

This section highlights that despite being in full view, you cannot assume that the other driver will not proceed into your path while exiting from a side road.

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Obscured

There are certain physical objects that can limit the view of a vehicle exiting from a side road and crossing into the path of the main traffic.

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Hasty

A driver exiting a side road would take uncharacteristic risks when pressed for time.

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Speed

Speed can be a danger when exiting from a side road.

Both high and low speed pose their own unique perils.

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Following Others

At times drivers blindly follow others by assuming it is clear to go.

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? Why do we drive on different sides of the road?

The reason why different countries drive on different sides of the road is rooted in historical, cultural, and practical factors. Here's a detailed explanation of the origins and reasons for these differences:

Historical Factors

Medieval Practices:

• Left-Side Driving: Historically, most people traveled on the left side of the road. This practice dates back to medieval times when knights and swordsmen preferred to keep to the left to have their right arm (their sword arm) closer to an opponent or potential threat.

• Right-Side Driving: As larger vehicles and wagons became common, drivers in some regions began to favor the right side. This allowed drivers, who usually sat on the left side of the wagon, to better control their teams of horses and judge the clearance from oncoming traffic.

Colonial Influence:

• British Empire: Countries that were once part of the British Empire often retained the left-hand driving system. This includes countries like India, Australia, and many African nations.

• European Influence: Countries influenced by European powers, particularly those influenced by Napoleon, adopted right-side driving. Napoleon's conquests spread the practice of right-hand driving across many parts of Europe.

Practical and Political Factors

Standardization and Change:

• Sweden: In 1967, Sweden switched from left-hand driving to right-hand driving to conform to the driving practices of its neighboring countries. This was done to facilitate smoother cross-border transportation and reduce accidents.

• Japan: Despite never being colonized by the British, Japan adopted left-hand driving due to British influence in building its early railway system.

Manufacturing and Trade:

• Vehicle Manufacturing: Countries tend to drive on the same side of the road as their major trading partners to simplify vehicle manufacturing and import/export processes.

• Consistency: Maintaining consistency within regions helps reduce confusion and accidents, especially in areas with significant cross-border travel.

Current Distribution

• Left-Side Driving: Approximately 35% of the world’s population drives on the left side of the road. This includes countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, and several others.

• Right-Side Driving: The majority of the world's population drives on the right side of the road. This includes most of Europe, the Americas, and China.

Conclusion

The side of the road on which a country drives is largely influenced by historical precedents, colonial history, practical considerations, and efforts to standardize within regions for safety and efficiency. While the practice may seem arbitrary, it is deeply rooted in each country's unique historical and cultural context.

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? Which side of the road is safer to drive on?

The safety of driving on a particular side of the road (left vs. right) does not inherently depend on the side itself but rather on how well the road system is designed, maintained, and adhered to by drivers. Both left-side and right-side driving systems have their advantages and challenges. Here are some factors to consider:

Factors Affecting Road Safety

Consistency and Familiarity:

• Driver Adaptation: Drivers are generally safer when they are accustomed to the driving norms and regulations of their country. Sudden changes or driving in a country with different driving rules can increase accident risk.

Road Design and Infrastructure:

• Quality of Roads: Well-maintained roads with clear signage, proper lane markings, and adequate lighting are safer, regardless of the side of the road used.

• Roundabouts and Intersections: Properly designed intersections and roundabouts can reduce the likelihood of accidents. Each system has its own standard designs that drivers are familiar with.

Vehicle Design:

• Driver’s Position: In left-hand driving countries, vehicles typically have the driver’s seat on the right, which provides better visibility for overtaking and judging distances on the left side. Conversely, in right-hand driving countries, vehicles have the driver’s seat on the left.

Traffic Rules and Enforcement:

• Law Enforcement: The effectiveness of traffic law enforcement and the adherence to traffic rules play a crucial role in road safety.

• Driver Education: Comprehensive driver education and awareness programs contribute to safer driving practices.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Considerations:

• Safety Measures: The presence of dedicated lanes, pedestrian crossings, and safety measures for non-motorized road users impact overall road safety.

Cultural and Behavioral Factors:

• Driving Behavior: The general driving behavior, such as speed limits adherence, seat belt use, and the prevalence of driving under the influence, affects safety more than the side of the road driven on.

Studies and Statistics

• Accident Rates: Studies have shown that accident rates are more influenced by the quality of road infrastructure, driver behavior, and law enforcement rather than the side of the road driven on.

• Transition Periods: Countries that have switched sides (like Sweden in 1967) often experience a temporary increase in accidents due to driver confusion and adaptation issues during the transition period.

Conclusion

There is no definitive evidence to suggest that driving on the left side of the road is inherently safer than driving on the right side or vice versa. Road safety is a multifaceted issue that depends on a combination of factors including infrastructure quality, vehicle design, traffic laws, and driver behavior. The key to safe driving lies in well-designed road systems, effective law enforcement, and good driving practices, regardless of which side of the road is used.

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