PETALING JAYA: Barely a week after a delivery rider was killed in a road accident involving a motorist accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, yet another tragedy struck again.
This time a trailer lorry driver, who tested positive for methamphetamine, rammed into a van in Segamat, which resulted in the death of three people and injury of a few others on Thursday evening.
These fatal crashes have renewed calls by road safety advocates for the setting up of a Special Road Accident Courts to speed up justice for victims and their families.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Research Centre head, Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, said that the establishment of dedicated courts could significantly reduce backlogs and enhance efficiency in handling such cases.
He noted that prompt punishment could be more effective than severe penalties.
He stressed that the move could play an important role in deterrence.
“Resolving serious cases within months would send a strong message to road users,” he said.
He said cases involving deaths and serious injuries often take years to be resolved, as they are currently handled within the general court system, which deals with a wide range of criminal and civil matters.
He added that consistent sentencing guidelines for offences such as reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs could further strengthen public confidence.
At the same time, he stressed that specialised courts are not standalone solutions.
“This is only one part of the system. Enforcement, education and responsible behaviour remain equally important.”
Law urged the government and judiciary to seriously consider establishing such courts nationwide, particularly to prioritise cases involving fatalities and serious injuries.
“Victims and their families should not have to wait years for justice,” he said, adding that swift justice would strengthen accountability and ultimately make roads safer for all.
Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said dedicated courts are needed to ensure swifter justice.
“Special courts dedicated to handling road accident cases, particularly those involving deaths and serious injuries, are needed to ensure swifter justice for victims and their families.”
Lee, who is also a member of the Road Safety Council, noted that court congestion and procedural delays often prolong such cases, placing an added burden on victims and their families.
“Justice delayed is justice denied.”
He stressed that there is a strong case for setting up the Special Road Accident Courts or dedicated tribunals to expedite the hearing and disposal of such cases.
He said faster adjudication would provide timely closure for victims, enable quicker compensation, and enhance accountability among road users.
He added that specialised courts would allow judges to develop expertise in handling technical evidence, including accident reconstruction, medical reports and vehicle forensics.
“Swifter prosecution and sentencing would also serve as a strong deterrent against reckless driving, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“When justice is seen to be swift, it reinforces public confidence and promotes safer road behaviour,” he said.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Dr Wong Shaw Voon said while the idea has merit, it is not a simple solution.
Wong stressed that any move to establish such courts must be supported by additional manpower and infrastructure, including more judges, prosecutors and technical experts.
He also highlighted the complexity of road accident cases, which often require multidisciplinary expertise, such as legal, medical and engineering knowledge, to ensure fair and informed judgments.
