SMART lanes have proven to be instrumental in bringing down accidents along highways, with some even recording a drop of over 70% in road mishaps, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic).
His statement was based on an analysis of various smart lane locations, which showed a sharp reduction in the number of accidents when compared to the period prior to its activation.
Citing the smart lane from Putra Mahkota to Southville, he said there was a 22% reduction in accidents along that route.
The smart lane from R&R Rawang to the Rawang junction, meanwhile, recorded a 74% drop in accident rates.
Nanta said the majority of accidents in smart lanes were not due to road design but human error.
“This includes speeding in smart lanes, changing lanes dangerously without providing any signal indicator and using the smart lane outside its operation hours,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
He was responding to a question by Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara), who asked about the measures taken to curb the risk of accidents in smart lanes.
Smart lanes refer to the activation of emergency lanes to ease traffic congestion during peak travel periods.
The highway concessionaires and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) would also carry out safety patrols prior to the activation of smart lanes to ensure there are no disruptions.
Notice boards are stationed at distances of 1km and 500m prior to smart lane activation, and closed-circuit television systems are used to monitor traffic conditions in real time.
Among other measures is the use of portable variable messaging systems to inform users of smart lane activation hours.
“LLM and highway concessionaires also work closely with the police and road transport department to ensure heavy vehicles do not use smart lanes,” he said.
Nanta assured that safety audits are carried out periodically at all smart lane locations.
He said that while smart lanes reduce travel time, there is no compromise on road safety standards.
