PETALING JAYA: Stricter enforcement during peak periods and identifying accident-prone “blackspots” are among measures proposed to reduce the number of road accidents during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, say road safety experts.
Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, who heads the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Engineering Faculty, said more traffic police should be deployed during peak travel times especially on highways and accident-prone areas.
“The authorities can also have speed cameras or automated enforcement systems to monitor traffic violations more effectively,” he said yesterday.
Law urged the authorities to ensure that roads were well-maintained, especially during rainy season, to prevent accidents caused by potholes or flooding.
“There should be more rest stops along highways to encourage drivers to take breaks during long journeys,” he added.
Asked if the current road safety awareness campaigns had been effective in reducing road accidents, Law said such initiatives could be effective but their impact depended on how well they were designed and executed.
“In order to ensure effectiveness, the government campaign should be regularly evaluated through surveys and focus groups, and backed by accident data.
“The authorities must use feedback to refine and improve campaigns, in ensuring they remain relevant and engaging.”
Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association president Md Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor suggested a review on driving school curriculum with emphasis on road safety.
“Run programmes on road safety in schools as well as at private and public higher learning institutions,” he said.
General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) advised the public to check their vehicle insurance status before heading out of town.
PIAM chief executive officer Chua Kim Soon said the easiest way to check is against road tax validity, as it is linked to the insurance policy.
He advised the public to keep their vehicle insurer’s contact information, policy or certificate of insurance in the vehicle for emergency reasons.
In the event of an accident, he reminded motorists to collect as much information as possible.
This includes taking photographs of where the vehicle rests after an accident. Other important information includes noting down the road tax, number plate and details of the other vehicle driver, Chua said.
“If the other driver is not cooperative, taking a picture of the vehicle and number plate should suffice.”
He advised drivers to stay calm during accidents and be aware if they or their passengers are injured.
“If you can get out of the vehicle safely, do so. Check with the other parties if they are okay as well, and only then check the status of the vehicle.
“Be aware of your own safety especially if the accident is in a location with heavy traffic,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has launched a new initiative called FitSURE aimed at helping parents and guardians select the right child safety seat (CRS) while ensuring they can be properly installed in specific car models.
In an advisory, Miros said its studies have found that improper installation of CRS could increase risk of injury to child passengers during accidents.
“Although there are various types of CRS in the market, not all are suitable for every car model,” it said in a statement yesterday.
