LETTERS: The accident near the Ayer Keroh Rest and Service Area (R&R) on Monday underscores the need for a comprehensive and transparent approach to road safety.
Access to portions of the investigation report, if not the entire document, could be highly beneficial.
Transparency can educate the public, shedding light on what went wrong and how similar incidents can be avoided.
Furthermore, public awareness often sparks innovative ideas and practical suggestions that could contribute to more robust safety measures in the future.
The establishment of a task force to thoroughly investigate this accident is a critical step forward.
A well-structured task force can identify the root causes, whether they lie in mechanical failures, driver behaviour or systemic lapses in regulation and enforcement.
However, identifying the root causes is only part of the solution. The greater challenge lies in translating these findings into actionable recommendations.
It is equally important to ensure that these recommendations are implemented effectively, with measurable outcomes tracked through a robust monitoring framework.
Without follow-through, even the best recommendations may fail to yield meaningful change.
Another crucial aspect to address is the enforcement of accountability. If investigations reveal negligence, whether by the driver or the company responsible for the vehicle, there must be severe penalties.
While imposing fines or legal action against the driver is necessary, companies must also be held accountable. This includes penalties for inadequate vehicle maintenance, failure to comply with safety regulations, or poor oversight of operations.
Heavy penalties on companies serve as a powerful deterrent and compel organisations to adopt a culture of safety. For example, regular inspection of vehicles and adherence to maintenance schedules should become non-negotiable practices for a fleet.
Companies should also invest in advanced safety technologies, such as real-time vehicle tracking, to prevent accidents or unsafe driving. This incident further strengthens the effort by the Transport Ministry to instal real-time monitoring system and CCTVs in heavy vehicles.
This tragedy highlights the collective responsibility of government authorities, transport companies and the public to prioritise road safety.
Proactive measures, strict enforcement of accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to prevent such devastating accidents from recurring.
This incident should serve as a turning point, driving reforms that save lives and ensure safer roads for everyone.
DR MOHD AZMAN ABAS
Automotive Development Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia