Road accidents in Portugal: causes and advice to prevent them

Road accidents in Portugal they are a serious problem. As reported by the newspaper Público, we are among the 6 countries with the highest number of deaths on the roads, due to road accidents, out of 32 analysed, according to statistics published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).

Now, the best way to prevent something is to understand it well. What are the principal Causes and consequences of road accidents? I knew it severity of an accident It often depends on type of collisionor What happens between vehicles?

Find out the most common road accidents and the best way to prevent them.

What is a collision?

A collision is a violent meeting or clash between two or more elementsin which at least one is moving. When this occurs, energy is released and dissipated, which can cause deformation in vehicles, noise, heat and, often, property damage and injury to occupants.

In the case of a collision between cars, the severity of the impact depends on several factors, including the speed is one of the most determining factors. The higher the speed at which one of the vehicles travels, the greater the energy involved in the impact, which, as a rule, results in a significant increase in the severity of the accident.

Types of collisions

Some types of collisions can also involve pedestrians or animals. Not all road accidents have the same effects on the vehicle and its passengers. In more serious cases, the impact causes injuries to the most sensitive areas of the body.

1. Head-on collision

A head-on collision occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction or with something that is stationary on the side of the road, such as a tree or pole. In this case, the occupants I’m normally projected forwarddue to the force of the impact.

For this reason, the the seat belt is particularly important. Without the «brake» of the belt, at the moment of impact, the occupants would hit the windshield, the dashboard or even abandon the car, depending on the force of the impact.

According to the accident report of the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), in 2023, more than half of road accidents in Portugal – 52.6% – were collisions, of which 40.5 deaths and 46.1% serious injuries.

How to avoid head-on collisions

First, Always pay attention on the road. Avoid using your cell phone and getting distracted: a fraction of a second is enough for the vehicle to leave your lane and cause an accident.

Rain, fog or slippery roads significantly increase the risk of losing control. Always adapt your driving to current conditions.

Remember to always wear your seat belt: the probability of surviving a head-on collision while wearing a seat belt is very high. It is also important to check the status of the file airbags of the vehicle on a regular basis. In head-on collisions, the airbags front seats reduce driver deaths by 29% and deaths of front seat passengers aged 13 and older by 32%.

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2. Side impact collisions

Unlike head-on collisions, side-impact collisions involve an impact on one side of the vehicle. I am generally more seriousas the occupants are closer to the vehicle that hits them.

How to avoid side impact collisions

AS roundabout entrances and exits These are the areas most prone to road accidents due to side collisions. To avoid them, always leave the outside lane and always check that there are no vehicles on the road. dead corner.

Os airbags sides offer the best protection against these collisions. Make sure maintenance is done.

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3. Rear-end collisions

This type of road accident occurs when a vehicle is hit on the back from another vehicle. This is very common when the car in front suddenly slows down or stops. Or when one of the drivers loses control or is distracted from driving, even for a few seconds.

How to avoid rear-end collisions?

Obey the Speed ​​Limit It is essential to prevent rear-end collisions. Driving far above the speed limit leaves you less room to react: even if you brake, you may not avoid a collision. It is best never to exceed the maximum permitted speed e maintain a safe distance of 100 metres compared to the car in front, i.e. a minimum distance of 4 seconds.

⚠️ Did you know that it is very common for rear-end collisions to occur due to glare at dawn and dusk? At these times of day, the sunlight is strong and falls directly into the driver’s eyes. To avoid them, always keep your sunglasses handy.

4. Vehicle overturning

A rollover occurs when the vehicle escapes the driver’s control and spins around. It is common for rollovers to occur due to the driver’s attempt to avoid a collision.

How to avoid tipping?

Once again, limited speed is the key to avoiding these types of road accidents. A sudden change of direction, especially at high speedscould destabilize the vehicle. Defensive driving courses are helpful and teach drivers how to turn the steering wheel as safely as possible.

Also pay particular attention to possible danger signs wild animals on the roads. When an animal crosses the road, do not try to avoid it with a sudden movement of the steering wheel. Instead, try using the brakes while keeping the steering still.

5. Collisions with pedestrians

Although they do not involve contact with another vehicle, collisions with pedestrians are also considered traffic accidents.

Portugal is the Western European country with the highest pedestrian fatality rate. According to data from the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the number of pedestrian accidents in 2023 increased by 4.1% compared to the previous year.

Remember that, the heavier the vehicle, the more energy it transfers to the pedestrian. The body of the vehicle also matters. For example, deformable or plastic bumpers are always less harmful than aluminum ones.

How to avoid getting hit?

Most of these accidents occur in urban areas, especially in areas with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Whenever you are in an area with a lot of pedestrians, it is best to slow down.

It is also advisable to exercise caution signs indicating the proximity of schools. Being smaller, children easily go unnoticed, especially if they appear suddenly, such as running.

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