Today, one day before the end of the long Eid al-Fitr holiday, there is an expectation that the density will increase.
Experts reminded the rules that drivers should pay attention to in heavy traffic and on long roads.
Citizens who went to their hometowns or holiday destinations for the Eid al-Fitr holiday are on their way back.
Accidents increased due to the density of traffic returning from the holiday.
Road warnings from experts
Experts warned about the issues that drivers should pay attention to on the road. These warnings are as follows:
“Distraction is the most important factor in accidents”
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Malkoç explained that, according to various studies, 94 percent of traffic accidents are caused by human error. Pointing out that emotional, behavioral and cognitive factors, called psychological factors, affect their behavior, Malkoç said that distraction is one of the most important causes of accidents.
Problems caused by distraction on the road
Malkoç stated that there was a difference in the reactions of the drivers with the distraction and gave the following information:
Here it is time to brake, not being able to read a sign causes situations such as missing a clue that we should see in the mirror. Thus, as a result of missing all these clues, we make some mistakes and cause accidents.
Advice on reducing body tension
Stating that another important factor is fatigue, Malkoç said that drivers should not set off without adequate rest. Malkoç recommended that drivers going on a long journey should take a break every two hours, walk for 5-10 minutes and reduce body tension with some physical movements.
“One should not set off feeling too sad, too angry or angry.”
Pointing out that emotions affect behavior, Malkoç used the following expressions:
Since driving is also a behavior, it is possible that it affects this as well. Therefore, it is useful to take into consideration emotional states such as pain, anger, and anger. Setting out with a feeling of being too sad, too angry or angry actually changes our cognitive activities and forms of intention. This affects our driving behavior as it affects our behavior in a more negative direction. In short, it is important that we set out with proper preparation, both behaviorally, emotionally and cognitively.
“Driving very fast does not make a big difference”
Malkoç emphasized that driving a very fast car will not make a huge difference in terms of time, and explained that an aggressive driving behavior can have multi-directional effects and that the lives of both the driver, the passengers in the vehicle and other people in traffic may be at risk.
“Driving at night is a situation that requires more attention.”
Stating that those who drive cars on the road may not have the same expertise and sensitivity, Malkoç made the following evaluation:
There may be people who consider themselves experts in driving. We need to pay attention to this: we may be driving very well, we may be confident, but when we reach high speeds, the slightest mistake can cause us to have an accident. In this case, it may cause an accident to the drivers of vehicles driving in front of us, behind us, to our right or left. What we must not forget is that not all drivers on the road are at the same level of expertise.
“The body has a circadian rhythm”
Regarding driving at night, Malkoç stated that the body has a circadian rhythm and said:
This circadian rhythm is a 24-hour rhythm. Therefore, we generally become active during the daylight hours. When the sunlight decreases, our body functions begin to decrease gradually, both through some centers in our brain and some hormones. Within the framework of this rhythm, we fall asleep after 11 at night. In this context, let's not forget that when we drive at night, we increase the risks a little more. Not only for us, but also for others. Therefore, driving at night requires more attention and compliance with more rules.
“Sensitivity changes when we go from day vision to night vision.”
Also, our visual system changes patterns throughout the day. In other words, the sensitivity changes when we go from night vision to day vision or from day vision to night vision. Our visual performance may decrease slightly with these sensitivity changes. It is beneficial for us to be very careful at these points, especially during these times.
“Cell phones should not be used while driving”
Referring to the use of mobile phones while driving, Malkoç explained that according to a study, not only holding a mobile phone in the hand but also using a mobile phone via Bluetooth affects driver behavior.
“Vehicle maintenance should be done before hitting the road.”
Advanced Driving Techniques Expert Serkan Çabuş also pointed out the importance of maintaining vehicles before hitting the road.
“We need to adjust our speed very properly”
Çabuş stated that the most valuable element while driving is traffic rules. “We need to adjust our speed very properly, therefore our following range is of course very important, they must comply with the rules. What I will emphasize again is that the most important detail is for drivers to take breaks when they are tired, without being insistent.” she said.
“Beware of road hypnosis”
Referring to the passengers in the vehicle, Çabuş said:
It would be good if they chat with the driver again, because when everyone in the vehicle is asleep, the driver can inevitably fall into road hypnosis. Can't remember how it took about 15-20 minutes of driving to get there. Focusing on a single place causes pain, squinting, closing of eyes, and decreased blinking. In this case, the driver can at least warn you to take a tea or coffee break. When they chat, the driver can stay a little more vigorous in traffic. Moreover, when everyone in the vehicle sleeps, it inevitably affects the driver as well.
“15-20 minutes of sleep provides 3-4 hours of comfort”
Çabuş noted that if the driver is tired, pulling his car to a parking area and sleeping for 15-20 minutes will enable him to drive comfortably and safely on the 3-4 hour road. Çabuş pointed out that drivers are not alone in traffic and said:
The driver not only drives his own vehicle alone, he must also control other vehicles around him. We have rearview mirrors for this. While driving, we can pay attention to the vehicles in front of us, to our right and left, but we cannot see a car coming from behind if we do not check our rearview mirrors. The driver in front of us may have fallen asleep. In other words, you need to be able to react to any situation you may encounter. Therefore, you will be able to control every aspect, and you will drive your vehicle considering that all drivers can make all kinds of mistakes.
“The route should be determined before starting the trip”
Explaining that the route should be determined before starting the journey, Çabuş said: “When you change your route, you must take your vehicle to an available area and determine a new route again. Because when we pay attention to such things while driving, our attention to driving decreases and our reaction time is delayed. That's why accidents are inevitable again.” she said.
News Source: Anadolu Agency (AA)
