Netcare releases shocking accident statistics - “SA motorists are failing their children!”

According to Mande Toubkin, National Trauma Manager for the Netcare Group, the injuries sustained were all priority one injuries which makes them extremely serious and in most instances life altering. She added that sadly, as many as 4% of the children involved in these collisions died.”

“Gauteng accounted for 60% of these serious injuries while KwaZulu Natal, at 20,6%, was the region with the second most injuries. All injuries were caused because these little passengers were not wearing seatbelts or were not properly restrained,” said Toubkin.

Dr Sebastian van As, Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town recently said that if an accident happens and a child is thrown from the car, there is a 75% chance that the child will die. “Trauma kills more people under the age of 18 than any disease and children are most severely injured because of motor vehicle accidents,” he said.

The statistics, which were released as part of Netcare 911's annual road safety campaign, were accumulated over a 22-month period throughout Netcare hospitals countrywide.

Holiday road safety campaigns, such as Arrive Alive, keep reminding us about the rules of the road. Yet every year the death toll on our roads remains high. Just as alarming are the drowning and near-drowning figures reported by the coastal authorities during the period. One of the organisations that deals with both situations, and is witness to the destruction caused by not adhering to the most basic of safety warnings, is medical emergency services provider, Netcare 911.

So many of the experiences of Netcare 911's paramedics involve motor vehicle accidents that it's logical to ask a simple question: if wishes could come true, if you could wave a magic wand and put things right on our roads, what would you wish for?

And the answer according to Principal Medical Officer for Netcare 911, Dr Fanie Hattingh is simple: “My most fervent wish would be to educate drivers on the dangers of speeding and drinking and driving. Not wearing seatbelts and not using car seats for little children is another grave concern of ours.

Buckling up is the simplest way to save your child's life - and to not insist on the wearing of seatbelts is ‘a form of neglect'. By not enforcing the wearing of seatbelts we are failing our children.”

“My second wish would be for more - much more - policing of traffic offences on the roads. It would also be great if we could launch a campaign that would inform pedestrians of the need to be visible at night. Finally, it would be invaluable if we could incorporate CPR and first aid training as part of the training programme which precedes the issuing of drivers licenses,” says Dr Hattingh.

On the score of long distance holiday travel Hattingh has some good advice to impart. “Many drivers never consider the importance of being in a good mental and physical condition when embarking on a road trip.

Just as important is the planning that goes into that trip before you switch on the engine.”

“Drivers need to ensure that they are rested and alert, that their vehicle is roadworthy and, if possible, be knowledgeable about the route that they are going to take,” he offers. “Getting lost or disorientated, especially when tired, can cause a driver to become distracted and have an accident.”

Some of the basic safety tips all road users should adhere to, are:

· Always ‘buckle up'
· Get an adequate amount of quality sleep before setting off on your journey
· Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods
· If you are taking any medication, make sure that they won't impair your driving ability
· Stop and take a break from driving at least every two hours
· If you are feeling really tired, stop at a safe place and take a nap - wait for at least ten minutes before getting back into the car as you need to ensure that you are properly awake
· Stop over somewhere for the night if your journey is going to take a number of hours
· If possible, drive with a companion and switch driving when you start to feel tired
· Talk with passengers to help you stay alert, although not to the extent that you become distracted
· Keep the temperature in your car cool as a warmer environment encourages lethargy
· Make a point of checking blind spots and ‘reading' the road and traffic conditions - don't just keep your eye on the vehicle ahead of you.

Netcare 911 provides emergency medical services to patients in crisis, including air and road evacuation, telephonic advisory services and a range of safety products aimed at assisting the public in obtaining the best possible assistance during an emergency.

“We will, as always, be on high alert during this coming holiday season and be setting up medical roadside standbys at various major routes, concludes Hattingh. “While we hope that you will be safe and not need us, should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation that you do, be assured that our highly-trained emergency medical services personnel will be there for you.”

ADDITIONAL ROAD SAFETY PRECAUTION MEASURES FOR DRIVERS (from www.arrivealive.co.za )

Before leaving...
• Work or virtually any activity increases the likelihood of fatigue.
• Start any trip by getting enough sleep the night before - at least six hours is recommended.
• Emotional stress or illness can also cause fatigue.
• Plan your route, refueling, rests and overnight stops.
• Check your car's roadworthiness. Headlights, indicators, stop lights, taillights, windscreen wiper blades, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, tyre pressures, exhaust system
and possible oil or fuel leaks.
• Check coolant, fluids and oil levels.
• Check that the spare wheel is in good condition and properly inflated. Make sure that you have a serviceable jack and wheelbrace.
• Ensure any luggage or cargo is put in the boot or secured in the vehicle.
• Never transport flammable liquid in the vehicle. Plan your refueling stops.

While travelling...
• Take a 15-minute break at least every two hours.
• Prevent sun glare and eye fatigue by wearing good quality sunglasses.
• Avoid eating heavy foods.
• Do not consume any alcohol during your trip.
• An overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the fatigue effects.
• If you can, have another person ride with you, so you will have someone to talk to and who can share the driving.
• Make sure that you rest when you are not driving.
• Avoid driving during your body's downtime (1am - 5am).
• Boredom can also cause fatigue. Music / radio / conversation is helpful.
• Always use your seat belts.
• Keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you.
• Drive according to the road conditions.
• Reduce speed when it is raining or the road is wet.
• Adhere to speed limits.
• Use low beam headlights (never drive with parking lights) between sunset and sunrise as well as in overcast or misty weather conditions.
• Look out for these signs when you are driving
you keep yawning
your reactions slow down
you feel stiff
your eyes feel heavy
you find you are daydreaming
you wander over the centre line or on to the edge of the road
• If you notice any of these danger signs, stop for a rest. If needed, a quick nap - even 20 minutes will help. During your break, get some exercise - it helps you become
more alert quickly.

Rest stop precautions...
• If it is after dark or you need to stop, find a lighted safe roadside rest area to park.
• Give yourself a little outside air, but make sure that windows are closed enough to prevent entry from the outside.
• Lock all doors.
• Turn on your parking lights and turn off other electrical equipment.
• After you rest, get out of the vehicle and walk for a few minutes to be sure you are completely awake before you begin to drive again.

When parked...
• Keep your car locked when unattended.
• Don't leave valuables inside the car where they can be seen by passers-by. Lock such items in the boot.