Experts: Poor road safety awareness is killing kids


Safe way round: Almost all baby car seats are designed to face the rear, so they act as cushions for the child in the event of a sudden stop or a frontal collision, while also shielding them from shattering glass.

PETALING JAYA: While road safety is second nature to many adults, the safety of young children, particularly toddlers, is often overlooked, leading to tragic consequences for families.

Traffic accidents have become the second leading cause of medically certified deaths among toddlers aged one to four years in Malaysia, according to the Statistics Department’s Children Statistics 2024 report.

The report, last updated on Nov 1, 2023, revealed a worrying increase in toddler deaths due to traffic accidents, rising from 5.4% in 2021 to 6.6% in 2023.

The trend is particularly stark among boys, whose death rate quadrupled from 7.3% in 2021 to 28% in 2023. Girls also saw an increase, from 3% to 4.7%, during the same period.

These alarming statistics have raised concerns among road safety experts, who attribute the rise to a lack of awareness among parents regarding road safety and the proper use of toddler safety equipment.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Dr Wong Shaw Voon emphasised that many parents are unaware that baby car seats are supposed to face the rear of the vehicle.

“Almost all baby car seats are designed to face the rear, so they act as cushions for the child in the event of a sudden stop or a frontal collision, while also shielding them from shattering glass.

“Placing the seat forward-facing increases the risk of injury, as the tight straps may harm the child during abrupt braking,” he said.

Wong also discouraged placing baby car seats in the front passenger seat, citing risks to both the child and the driver.

“Having the child in the front seat can be very distracting due to the child seat’s typical large size, which can obstruct the driver’s view of the left-side mirror. The child’s movements or cries may also distract the driver,” he said, adding that airbags are not designed for toddlers.

“If deployed, they could fling the child out of their seat or even suffocate them.”

Wong advised parents to drive at slower speeds when transporting toddlers, as this reduces the likelihood of accidents and allows more time for evasive manoeuvres.

For motorcycle-owning parents, road safety expert Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua expressed similar concerns, urging them to avoid carrying toddlers on motorcycles unless absolutely necessary.

“Motorcycles offer zero protection for toddlers, and there is no secure or safe seating for them. Furthermore, safety certified toddler-sized motorcycle helmets do not exist, leaving young passengers completely vulnerable,” he said.

Law encouraged parents with motorcycles to plan outings using safer alternatives, such as public transportation or e-hailing services.

“While it may require additional time and money for transportation costs, it is far better than endangering the whole family and other road users,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor called on the government to incorporate toddler safety education into the driving licence curriculum.

“Making it a key part of the tests will ensure that all Malaysian drivers are educated on how to protect children without having to spend money on awareness campaigns.

“This knowledge will prove invaluable when drivers need to transport young family members or their own children in the future,” he said.

Md Hairolazaman also called on the government to offer subsidies or tax rebates for purchasing certified children car seats and distribute the seats to low-income families who need it.

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