We always take small things for granted. But it just might happen that these little things, like having a first aid box ready, or by just paying attention in the Health class, may save a life. You never know when things may go wrong and always be prepared for the worst-case scenario in case of any accident.

First came the invention of the ‘paved road’ in China. Then, much later, came the engine and the motor vehicles. Mix the two with a few decades of industrial development and what do you get — Traffic. Traffic — does that word ring a bell? It’s a day-to-day sight for us city dwellers. With the word ‘traffic’ can be added a variety of verbs and nouns, like traffic jam, traffic cone, traffic light, traffic police, traffic island and yes, traffic accidents.

When we listen to the news in the radio, there’s not a day we don’t hear a report of a traffic accident. Many lives are lost everyday due to these accidents and the lucky ones who do survive too find their lives never the same. What are the causes of these accidents?

Well, first come the driver’s carelessness and breaking traffic rules. They say rules are meant to be broken, but that does not apply to traffic rules.

Next comes ignorance of the people. The driver drives following all the traffic rules but suddenly a cow appears from nowhere. In this case, it is the person who let the cow loose who’s to be blamed. So, citizens should think before they act. They should also teach the young ones to look both ways before crossing the road and they themselves should do the same.

‘Safety First’, which in this case goes with ‘Prevention is better than cure’, is what is to be applied on the road. So, drivers, don’t drink while driving, don’t talk on the mobile phone while driving, keep your eyes on the road, don’t cross the speed limit, stop at the stop sign, and don’t do what you are not suppose to do. In short, follow traffic rules.

If people do what is best for their and other’s safety, the world will be a safer place at least on the road.

— Regina Chettri, Class IX, St Mary’s High School