On the heels of yet another serious motor vehicle collision in the region last week, local RCMP issued this subtle but telling statement, “Bonnyville RCMP have noticed an increase in the number of motor vehicle collisions in the detachment area and are urging (individuals) on the roads to be vigilant about paying attention while a operating motor vehicle.”
The first part of statement is a sad but well-known fact, while final portion is the most important part to keep in mind. Drivers are responsible for the operation of their vehicle, and paying attention on the road is the most vital task when it comes to operating vehicles safely and arriving where you intended to go.
In order to reduce the number and severity of collisions on roads and highways, there is certainly a need for updated, safe and maintained infrastructure, but even more important is being attentive behind the wheel and driving to the conditions of the road.
It's not a complex task to react sensibly, within plenty of time, to obstacles and issues arising on the road, when actually paying attention while driving.
However, it's perhaps because the task is seemingly so simple that many take it for granted, thinking they can get away with not paying close attention, which is not the case, as the increase in motor vehicle collisions clearly denotes.
Roads and highways can be engineered, twinned and updated on the regular, but if people keep playing with phones, reading, cleaning, eating, all the while speeding, safety on the roads will only continue to decline.
It's with due attention and care, along with those much-needed and long-awaited highway improvements and repairs that will result in safer journeys on the roads and family and friends making it safely back home.
