It’s time to buckle up, rear passengers told
SIBU: While the law on seat belts for rear passengers has been enforced since 2009, many people are still not buckling up the safety device.
State Road Safety Department (JKJR) director Davina Agnes Enteli said the public should not wait for enforcement to buckle up the safety belt which can reduce serious injury by 50 per cent should an accident occur.
“Don’t wait for the police or JPJ (Road Transport Department) personnel to be around before you wear the seat belts. We have to wear it because we want to be safe. Wearing of seat belt is very important as it can reduce injury or serious injury by half if you put it on. But, if you don’t - you are actually increasing your risk of serious injury should an accident happen.
“Seat belt for rear passengers have been enforced since 2009 but our society always depend on enforcement to press on the issue. This is not what we are trying to achieve – when we educate our society, we must look beyond enforcement – it should come from ourselves. We can’t expect enforcement officers to be there all the time,” she said.
Davina highlighted that wearing of seat belts made a lot of difference, adding that it was equally important for motorcyclists to wear helmets.
She was speaking to reporters prior to the launching of a Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with Christmas 2016 for Sibu division at the Town Square here yesterday.
Assistant Minister for Science Research and Biotechnology Dr Annuar Rapaee officiated at the campaign, which was organised by Sibu District Office in collaboration with state JKJR, Sibu Division Road Safety Council, Police (Traffic Division) and JPJ.
The Christmas Road Safety campaign was aimed at promoting road courtesy among motorists and other users especially during the festive season.
Among others, it provided seven safety tips, namely wearing of seat belt at all times, wearing of helmets (motorcycles), keep to safe speed, walking in the direction of traffic, use of safety chairs for children, avoid using of handphones and do not follow other vehicles too closely.
A statement from the organisers said the efforts to reduce accidents had become the joint responsibility of the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders and corporate sector.
Among those present were Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee and acting Sibu district officer Syahmi Jamali.