KUALA LUMPUR: Hari Raya is just around the corner and the school holidays have begun, with the annual ‘balik Kampung’ exodus from the cities slowly being felt on the roads and highways throughout the nation.
Malaysians will be on the road to celebrate the arrival of the 1st of Syawal as this is one of the few meaningful occasions in a year to get back to their loved ones and the family elders in smaller towns and villages.
The Road Safety Department’s (JKJR) statistics indicate more than two million people will be joining the ‘balik kampung’ rush starting two days before the first of Syawal. However, year in year out the journey has not been smooth for many with mishaps and breakdowns, and even turned tragic for some.
With huge number of vehicles plying the roads, with many drivers covering long distances, with some drivers failing to abide road safety, there is always a chance of an accident happening. Moreover, an accident or breakdown even involving single vehicle could lead to massive traffic jams, inconveniencing other road users.
According to JKJR’s website, a total of 22,402 accidents were recorded during “Op Selamat XII” in conjunction with 2017 Hari Raya. This figure includes 239 fatal accidents with 257 fatalities.
Hence, to ensure a smooth ride, including the return journey, the Royal Malaysian Police has launched the “Op Selamat XIII/2018” from June 8-22. However, the onus is on the drivers to prepare themselves physically and mentally for a seamless “Balik Kampung” drive.
GETTING READY FOR THE JOURNEY
The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP) secretary general Dr Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim noted that first and foremost every driver has to be aware that he or she is not alone on the road.
“Everyone wants to get back to their hometowns and villages. To get back safely, everyone has to behave like a ‘five star’ driver, driving in the best manner to avoid any road mishaps.
”Every road user has to share the same goal, to reach safely to celebrate the auspicious day with their loved ones back in their hometowns and villages. It’s not only they who want to reach safely, the other roads users too want the same,” he said to Bernama.
Dr Khairil is also the head of the Operations Unit of ASEAN NCAP under the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).
NOT ALL JOURNEYS ARE THE SAME
Explaining further, Khairil Anwar pointed out the sharp increase in the number of vehicles on the roads during the festive period exposes them to greater elements of risks.
The traffic situation that is different from the ordinary days will also cause changes in the drivers’ mood and attitude that lead to collisions or accidents.
“The changes in road conditions during festive periods call for the drivers to make better mental and physical preparations that includes having sufficient rest before embarking on long journeys. If sleepy or tired, stop at the Rest and Recreational stops to take a rest and resume the journey only after you don’t feel tired or sleepy.
“Adhering to road regulations is crucial and this is more important during the festive season where there are more road users. The goal is to reach safely and not what time one reaches,” he said.
Also, drivers should ensure that their vehicles are in the best condition before embarking on long journeys.
“If the driver could not maintain the vehicle properly, say due to budget constraints, the tyres could not be replaced, the driver should be aware of the risks involved and drive within the safe speed limits.
“In a nutshell the driver has to know all the risks involved. If the vehicle is in a poor condition, its best to find another vehicle or opt for public transport modes,” he said.– BERNAMA