Every effort needed to keep road deaths down

THE slight decrease in the number of fatalities due to road accidents recorded last year must be improved further with strong determination and support from all parties, particularly enforcement agencies and road users.

Last year, the number of deaths recorded was 6,740, a drop of 412 from the 7,152 cases in 2016.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was quoted saying that the fatality index due to road accidents for every 10,000 registered vehicles was 2.34 in 2017, down from 2.59 the previous year.

We must support the Transport Ministry’s target to reduce the death index due to road accident for every 10,000 registered vehicles to 2.0, which is similar to those in developed countries.

Road users must exercise extra care at all times, especially during festive seasons when there is bound to be more vehicles on the highways and accidents are more likely to happen.

They must get enough sleep and rest before they begin their journey because driver fatigue will increase the risk of road crashes.

They must also check the travel time suggested by the authorities to avoid congestion and driving pressure.

Road users must also check that their vehicles are in good condition, fasten seat belts when in the car or wear the crash helmet if they are on motorcycles.

They must always keep an eye on other road users, manage the speed of their vehicles, keep a safe distance and stay focused while driving.

The authorities must also focus on creating awareness on road safety among motorcyclists because they still rate as the highest in terms of the number of deaths from road accidents. Last year, 64.5% (4,348) of fatalities in road accidents were motorcyclists.

The Government should also introduce mandatory jail sentences for reckless drivers who caused the deaths of innocent passengers or other road users. At present, Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 imposes a jail term of between two and 10 years, and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000. I believe we need a radical move to tackle this issue by instilling fear and full responsibility among drivers that they would be sent to jail if found guilty of reckless driving resulting in the death of passengers or other road users.

The enforcement agencies must also conduct frequent checks to stop reckless drivers, including those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol, from endangering the lives of other road users.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE Miros chairman/member of National Road Safety Council