WE read daily of lives lost in vain due to road fatalities. Accidents have been identified as a leading cause of death in Malaysia, after coronary/heart disease, stroke, influenza and pneumonia.
The World Health Ranking 2011 put Malaysia at No. 20 in a list of countries with the most deaths caused by accidents. It is disheartening to note that during Op Selamat this year, 299 people died in accidents.
Statistics continue to alarm even as the government continues its efforts to boost road safety through the construction and improvement of roads, structured safety advocacy programmes and integrated enforcement operations.
Research by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (Miros) has indicated that an average of 18 people are killed on our roads daily. This figure is expected to rise to 29 by 2020. The Miros research also predicted that road fatalities would account for 10,716 deaths in 2020, compared with the average of 6,915 in recent years. Not surprisingly, motorcyclists account for 60 per cent (4,149) of the total.
Suffice to say, accidents are largely a consequence of road users’ negligence and, in some cases, error. In the grand scheme of things, behavioural safety is a looming risk. Why blame enforcement agencies when road users compromise on safety? It is especially disheartening when an innocent road user falls prey to the negligence of another. This is the dire reality.
The Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) highlights the common factors:
DISTRACTION
We constantly see drivers using their mobile phones. Clearly, distracted drivers are slowly becoming the top cause of accidents in Malaysia. No matter how careful we are, a split-second lapse in concentration when reading a text or answering a call can result in a fatal crash.
We must avoid using our mobile phones when driving and make it a point to communicate only by using hands-free kits, which are readily available. Newer cars are also equipped with Bluetooth, which makes it safe to answer calls.
SPEEDING
We are tempted to go over the speed limit at one time or another, and this attitude is not limited to an age group. The faster the car moves, the slower our reaction time to avoid an accident. More so when we drive in wet conditions. MCM calls on the government to place AES, or automated enforcement system, cameras in accident-prone locations.
DRINK DRIVING
It is a fact that drink driving causes the driver to lose the ability to focus and function properly. Many fatal accidents happen when drivers are under the influence. If you are going on a night out, avoid driving or make arrangements to ensure that you reach home safely. With the availability of public transport, there should be no reason for you to drive under the influence.
The authorities must increase checks, especially at night, and impose penalties on those who violate the law. Driving at night may increase the risk of an accident occurring.
RECKLESS DRIVING
If we do not drive carefully, we may end up in an accident. We must avoid speeding, changing lanes without proper signalling and tailgating. Tailgating is, in particular, a menace. How would a tailgater avoid a car ahead that suddenly brakes? Many fatal accidents occur when a road user dangerously tailgates another driver at high speed.
DRIVING WHEN SLEEPY
Do not drive when you are tired or drowsy. Let us ask ourselves, how is it possible to drive when we have trouble staying awake? If you feel sleepy when you are behind the wheel, pull over and take a quick power nap.
MCM also calls on the government to introduce a robust syllabus in driving schools to mould positive driving behaviour. Road safety and behavioural experts must be hired to deliver road safety and positive behaviour modules.
Also, deny licences to those who fail accompanying tests.
DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON, president, Malaysia Consumers Movement