Trust the professionals: Workshop owner Fairus Zaki (left) servicing customer Norfazlina Fauzi’s car to prepare it for her Hari Raya trip back to Kelantan. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Car owners should use the services of professionals rather than attempt to DIY (do-it-yourself) when it comes to inspecting their vehicles before hitting the road for the upcoming Hari Raya season, says the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).
Its chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon advised car owners not to ignore changing necessary and vital car parts ahead of long-distance trips during the holidays.
“Pay particular attention to tyre wear, especially if they are showing signs of going bald.
“Don’t leave things to chance and assume that it’s just ‘one more’ road trip. A single accident can lead to fatalities or the loss of loved ones,” said Wong.
He also suggested engaging reputable workshops or service centres, which follow comprehensive checklists covering tyres, engine oil, brakes, battery and lighting systems.
“Faulty brake lights are not only a safety hazard but also a traffic offence that can result in a summons,” he added.
Besides getting the car checked by a professional, Wong said car owners could also get a vehicle roadworthiness test done by Puspakom or a vehicle inspection centre for better peace of mind.
A voluntary safety inspection for private vehicles at Puspakom, which needs to be booked beforehand, costs RM50.
Besides vehicle checks, Wong said it is equally important to thoroughly plan trips and ensure driver fitness.
“Plan the journey according to the travel advisories issued by the respective highway concessionaires to avoid getting caught in a snarl along the highways.
“It is also preferable to have a co-driver if it is a long-distance trip, or make sure at least one passenger stays awake to keep the driver company,” he said.
Wong also advised those intending to travel not to rush getting on the road just after work.
“Some may have last-minute work to complete before going on holiday.
“This may result in the driver feeling fatigued or sleepy when driving,” he said.
Statistics from Bukit Aman’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) revealed a sharp increase in crashes before the celebrations, followed by another surge afterwards.
For last year’s Hari Raya, the highest number of accidents was recorded on April 5, with 2,185 cases, followed by April 4 (2,160 cases) and April 6 (2,156 cases) – all within the critical balik kampung travel period.
While the number of crashes briefly dropped to 1,289 cases on Hari Raya itself (April 10), the post-festival rush saw a resurgence in accidents, with 2,146 cases reported on April 15, just four days after the first day of Hari Raya.
