Heavier penalties needed for errant motorcyclists

A MOTORCYCLIST knocked down a woman at a pedestrian crossing in Penang last week. The woman was struck by the speeding motorcyclist even though she had the right of way at the time.

In April, a 58-year-old woman was killed by a speeding motorcyclist who beat the red light at a pedestrian crossing in Penang. The motorcyclist fled the scene but was apprehended by the police. When asked why he did not stop after the accident, he replied that he was afraid he would be beaten up by the public.

The other obvious question that was posed to the motorcyclist was why he did not stop at the red light.

But many of us know the real answer is that most motorcyclists do not stop at traffic lights because that is their attitude.

Motorcyclists believe that traffic lights are for drivers of cars and other vehicles, so they whiz by with no thought about breaking the law. Furthermore, many have been getting away repeatedly with beating the red light.

Since they are not caught, they continue with their brazen acts, thinking that they are skilful and can weave in and out without causing any problem.

But sometimes, as the proverbial Malay saying goes, “se pandai-pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh juga (the squirrel may be skilful in jumping from tree to tree but it will eventually fall), accidents will happen.

Pedestrians need to be alert and aware when crossing the street even though it is their right of way. It is always better to be extra careful while crossing the road.

And we need heavier punishment for motorcyclists who beat red lights, and hit-and-run offenders.