Rwanda National Police

Most traffic accidents are caused by small, careless mistakes that usually result in fatalities.

For instance, drinking is everybody's right. But then it becomes dangerous when you drink and drive. It’s not to say that one has lost sense but then, if you are driving under influence of alcohol the probability of making irrational decisions is high.

Lack of concentration and focus makes it hard for drivers to make proper decisions which most of the time puts them and those they are with in harm’s way. For example under influence drivers feel over confident and in the process contravene traffic rules and the outcome is catastrophic.

It is important to get someone who is sober to do the driving or else hire a cab. That way the chances of getting involved in accidents are minimized.

Likewise over speeding, if avoided, would contribute to reduced fatal traffic accidents. Most people over speed without a justifiable reason. You'll find most of the time that people merely over speed for cheer thrill unaware of the danger it posses.

Over speeding can be avoidable if drivers learn to keep time since it not only allows them to drive at moderate speed but also reduces risk of accidents.

While indeed drivers may over speed to avoid being late, the benefit of arriving on time does not equate to consequences that may arise if one is involved in an accident.

Another common mistake that people tend to overlook while driving is talking on phone. Mobile handsets have become a vital aspect of our lives but they have time and again causes havoc when used while driving. It is always advisable to park your vehicle before tending to your handset.

Though people tend to ignore the danger involved talking on phone while driving, the urge to receive and convey information usually overshadows their concentration while driving.

Every year a traffic week event is held to sensitize, educate and encourage drivers to avoid careless mistakes that often claim their lives and those they are with. Despite the efforts to urge drives to comply with traffic regulations, the appeal is still over looked. Traffic Police statistics indicate that the major causes of traffic accidents as drunk driving, over speeding and use of mobile phones while driving.

Yet these fatal mistakes are avoidable. It will however take all road users efforts to ensure that these small yet costly mistakes are avoided.

Lives of all road users are highly worthy and don’t need to be wasted through careless driving mistakes.