Rising fatal road accidents demand immediate resolve

LETTER | The numerous road accidents which cause loss of lives continue in Malaysia despite warnings, advice and police checkpoints.

While the country enjoys comparably good roads and accessibility to motor vehicles featuring improved safety features, the number of road accidents is not going down.

Much has been written and debated by concerned parties. Organisations like the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for example, have offered good advice from time to time.

It is not true to say that the police and enforcement agencies are not patrolling the roads, although this may remain hampered by manpower constraints.

The number of summonses issued during road safety operations is mind-boggling.

The growing, widespread use of mobile phones, including text messaging, while operating a vehicle in all likelihood could be the major contributing factor for fatal accidents.

Even though the law tells us it is wrong to use mobile devices when driving or riding, the general attitude is not to care about safety.

Although the law requires vehicles to be adequately lighted up, it is not uncommon to spot faulty or poorly lit vehicles plying our roadways and at high speeds too.

Speeding is an everyday occurrence. Stunt driving/riding is a growing trend.

Even the Mat Rempit menace has not been rid despite decades of talk.

Let us be rid of the Mat Rempit and other similar live-endangering antics on public roads.

Truly, it will only take a nationwide change in attitudes on the road and the government's seriousness to put the brakes on these potential killers on our roadways.

We are quick to protest over human rights and government policies. We are ever ready to march for race and religious rights.

But what about the deaths on our roads, including in residential areas?

Achieving developed nation status demands that we drastically reduce road fatalities.

Motorists who fail to ensure their vehicles are compliant to roadworthiness requirements, including safety and proper maintenance, should have their licenses temporarily suspended.

The government needs to do more to help create and enforce a safe driving culture and environment on Malaysian roads. This demands a strong government will to act accordingly.