LETTERS: Food and goods delivery riders have been a blessing in disguise to many households during partial lockdowns and restricted movements in the early phase of the pandemic.
They have been saviours to people who have been unable to move around, especially the elderly and severely disadvantaged people, by providing services from food orders to grocery shopping.
Most delivery riders are young and use motorcycles to deliver as it is convenient to move around and cheaper on fuel consumption.
A media report cited police statistics as showing that between January and August this year, 321 accidents involving delivery riders were recorded, with 36 fatalities. The number of accidents involving delivery riders and motorcyclists is worrying.
Media reports stated that 3,318 motorcyclists died on our roads last year. We need to examine the reasons why these motorcycle fatalities happened.
One way is for motorcyclists, including delivery riders, to change their mindset, attitude and value towards life. They need to be extra careful and cautious on the road because of the vulnerability of their vehicle. They should wear safety gear — safety helmet, knee pads and luminous vest — when riding at night.
They should avoid riding when it is raining. And never ride a motorcycle when they have had a pint or two.
Perhaps, traffic enforcement has to be beefed up and strict rules enforced to ensure everybody follows traffic rules to minimise accidents.
SAMUEL YESUIAH
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times