World Trauma Day: How to stay safe on the roads this festive season

As Durga Puja celebrations bring crowded streets, late-night outings and increased traffic, road safety becomes particularly important. Two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents, including head trauma, fractures and internal bleeding. On World Trauma Day, doctors explain the precautions people should take while travelling during the festive season and what to do if an accident occurs.WHY ROAD ACCIDENT RISKS CAN INCREASE DURING FESTIVALSFestive celebrations often mean congested roads, temporary diversions around pandals, longer travel hours and more people returning home late at night. Speeding, distracted driving and fatigue can further increase the risk of road accidents.Dr Purusatyam Chakraborty, Consultant and Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine and Triage at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, Kolkata, said the combination of crowded roads, driver fatigue and distracted driving can make travelling during Durga Puja particularly risky.Two-wheeler riders face additional risks because they have limited physical protection in a collision. Even a seemingly minor crash can lead to serious head injuries, fractures or internal bleeding, making preventive measures especially important. HELMETS ARE ESSENTIAL, EVEN FOR SHORT JOURNEYSWearing a properly fitted, standard-approved helmet is one of the most important precautions for two-wheeler riders. Both the rider and the pillion passenger must wear helmets, and the chin strap should be securely fastened.Dr Utpal Brahma, Senior Consultant – Emergency Medicine at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata, recommends using a well-fitting, BIS-certified helmet, including when travelling short distances. A helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries, but it must fit correctly and be fastened properly to offer effective protection.Riders should also avoid speeding, abrupt lane changes and mobile phone use while driving. Extra caution is necessary near crowded pandals, where pedestrians may cross unexpectedly and traffic movement can change suddenly.LATE-NIGHT DRIVING: WHY FATIGUE MATTERSLate-night celebrations can leave people tired when it is time to return home. Fatigue can slow reaction times, affect judgement and make it harder for drivers to respond to sudden changes in traffic.Dr Gaurav Bhargava, Head of Emergency Services – Emergency Medicine at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, advises people not to drive when they are excessively tired or have consumed alcohol.If you feel sleepy behind the wheel, stop at a safe place and rest rather than trying to push through the journey. Never drive after drinking alcohol, even if you feel alert or are travelling only a short distance.Planning the return journey in advance, choosing a sober driver and allowing extra travel time can help reduce the temptation to speed or take unnecessary risks.CHECK YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE HEADING OUTVehicle maintenance is another important part of road safety, particularly when festive traffic can involve frequent braking and sudden stops.Before leaving, check the following:- Brakes: Ensure they are functioning properly.- Tyres: Check tyre pressure and condition.- Lights and indicators: Make sure other road users can see your vehicle and understand your movements.- Mirrors: Adjust them to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic.Follow traffic signals and road signs, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and remain alert to pedestrians, sudden braking and unexpected diversions. Avoid overloading vehicles and ensure children are appropriately restrained.WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A ROAD ACCIDENTThe actions taken immediately after an accident can make a difference to an injured person's safety. Some injuries, particularly head and internal injuries, may not be obvious straight away.Dr Chakraborty advises people to call emergency services, check that the scene is safe and avoid unnecessarily moving an injured person, particularly if a head, neck or spinal injury is suspected.Here is what to keep in mind:- Call for medical help: Seek emergency assistance promptly.- Avoid unnecessary movement: Do not move a seriously injured person unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire.- Do not remove the helmet casually: Removing it incorrectly can worsen a suspected neck or spinal injury. It should be removed only when necessary for an immediate, life-threatening emergency and by someone appropriately trained.- Do not give food or water: An unconscious person should not be given anything by mouth.- Follow emergency instructions: If the person is unconscious and not breathing normally, contact emergency services and follow their instructions for resuscitation. Provide first aid only within your level of training.Dr Brahma also emphasises the importance of seeking medical evaluation after an accident, even when an injury initially appears minor. A professional assessment can help identify injuries that might otherwise go unnoticed.WORLD TRAUMA DAY: SAFETY MUST COME BEFORE CELEBRATIONWorld Trauma Day highlights the importance of preventing injuries and improving responses to emergencies. During the festive season, road safety depends on individual choices as well as awareness of other road users.Wearing a helmet, avoiding alcohol before driving, recognising fatigue, following traffic rules and responding appropriately after an accident can help reduce the risk of serious injuries.The goal is not simply to reach a destination faster, but to ensure that everyone returns home safely after the celebrations.- Ends