MINISTRY GOING BIG ON ROAD SAFETY
Programmes will also focus on motorcyclists
THE Transport Ministry is determined to help road users avoid paying hefty fines for traffic offences so that they could put their money to better use.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, said this could only happen if road users observed traffic laws and practised good driving habits.
To illustrate the ministry’s concern over the matter, the Road Transport Department issued 11,500 summonses last year just for speeding offences.
Liow said this year, the ministry would go big on road safety campaigns that would also focus on motorcyclists and pillion riders.
He said the ministry had drawn up a proposal for every government agency to establish a roadsafety unit to create awareness of road safety.
“Each unit will provide information relating to road safety to its staff and conduct awareness programmes.
“The proposal has been sent to the Public Service Department for its perusal.”
Statistics showed that 80 per cent of accidents involving the motorcyclists in 2016 were caused by their negligence, with 63 per cent of fatal accidents involving motorcycles.
“It is never about money when compounds are issued... It is about getting road users to be more careful.
“We want them to realise the importance of road safety,” Liow said at a road safety campaign, in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year, at the Sungai Besi rest and recreation area yesterday.
He said safe riding was not only about wearing helmets and reflective vests.
“They must improve their riding skills with techniques that include how best to ride on slippery roads.”
On a separate matter, Liow said he needed to review a proposal where riders with 500cc superbikes might need to have a Class B2 motorcycle licence before obtaining a Class B licence.