KOTA KINABALU: Safety measures at car parks and shoplots have to be reviewed, said an assemblyman following a vehicle crash in Luyang near here early Tuesday (Oct 6).
Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong said that the City Hall and state government should consider putting in place stronger preventive measures particularly where parking bays are located directly next to pedestrian walkways and business premises.
“This is not something new. Over the years, we have seen cases where vehicles have accidentally crashed into shoplots, pedestrians or businesses. In fact, there was another similar incident just weeks ago,” he said.
He suggested that the local and state authorities at least install steel barrier poles or other suitable physical barriers at vulnerable locations.
“We cannot prevent every mistake or accident from happening, but we can put preventive measures in place to reduce the risk and protect people when such accidents occur,” Wong said in reminding motorists to be more cautious when parking or exiting parking bays at these areas.
In the early morning accident, a 63-year-old woman named Martina Missing bruised her leg when a parked vehicle jerked forward and rammed into her while she was buying breakfast.
It was understood that the driver had mistakenly selected the forward gear, causing the vehicle to move ahead instead of reversing.
Wong visited the woman after the accident, and advised her to undergo a more comprehensive examination, including a full-body X-ray, to ensure there are no other injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
He had arranged for a doctor to assist with the further X-ray examination and wished the victim a speedy recovery.
Wong also advised the victim and the relevant parties to make an official police report on the incident, so that there would be a formal record of the case and the relevant authorities could properly follow up on the matter.
“Sometimes accidents happen because of a simple mistake. But when we know that such mistakes can happen, we should also have the necessary safety measures in place to minimize the consequences. Prevention must always be part of our approach to public safety,” he added.
