Have a safe festive season, Malaysia

MALAYSIA is set to go on the move as Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday and everyone gets on the road to head for family reunions, open house visits and holidays.

The Malaysian Highway Authority estimates some 2.6 million vehicles will travel the highways daily over the festive period and long weekend, with 2.2 million plying the North-South Expressway alone.

That should be a good reminder to be careful when you’re driving to your hometown.

In the rush to reunite with loved ones, succumbing to the temptation of speeding or reckless driving is easy – and that could lead to accidents.

One of the most effective ways to prevent accidents is by reducing speed.

Driving within the speed limit allows for better vehicle control and reduces the severity of accidents, should one occur.

Research shows that even a slight decrease in speed can significantly lower the risk of fatalities and injuries.

So this Chinese New Year, let’s pledge to drive slower, be more patient, and prioritise safety over urgency.

Fatigue is also a danger for drivers. Long hours of driving, combined with the stress of navigating congested highways, can lead to exhaustion and reduced concentration.

To combat this, ensure you are well-rested before embarking on your journey. Get at least six to eight hours of good sleep for several consecutive nights before travelling.

For longer journeys, take turns driving with another licensed driver when possible.

If you’re sleepy, pull over at a rest stop or lay by for a short break. A 20-minute power nap can make a world of difference in restoring alertness and focus.

With the number of cars on the road, especially during peak hours, delays can occur that contribute to fatigue. Therefore, plan your journey to minimise stress by avoiding peak times, spreading out travel times, and leaving earlier or later.

Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Conduct a thorough safety check, including tyre pressure, brake functionality, engine oil levels and lights.

Always wear your seat belt, ensure all passengers do the same, and adhere to traffic laws. If you are travelling with children, use appropriate child seats, properly restrained to keep them safe.

Avoid using mobile phones while driving. Remember, no text or call is worth risking a life.

While personnel from enforcement agencies will be out in full force during the Chinese New Year period, road safety begins with the individual driver and requires the cooperation of every road user.

Safe travels Malaysia, and to those who celebrate, wishing you a happy Chinese New Year.