I READ with deep concern and sadness about a recent road motorcycle accident at Melaka Tengah in the wee hours of the morning that killed three and seriously injured another; the incident involved teenagers (“Three students killed, one hurt in Melaka bike crash”, The Star, Feb 28; online at bit.ly/4l7JqMM).
The initial investigation indicates all four were without valid licences and, more worryingly, that their parents weren’t aware of their children’s whereabouts on the night in question.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past and – judging from reports – will continue to happen. I would like to offer some suggestions to curb such accidents:
> The government – Road Transport Department/Transport Ministry/traffic police – should conduct checks on school premises to nab pupils riding motorcycles or driving cars without a valid licence. Those without licences must have their bikes/vehicles impounded, and their parents must be reprimanded – or even charged with negligence.
Furthermore, the government must more strictly enforce helmet use by motorcycle riders and seat-belt use by drivers and passengers in vehicles.
> Parents/guardians of teens must be reminded (or educated) to be mindful of their children’s whereabouts at all times. They must also strictly control their teens’ access to their vehicles (cars/motorcycles) especially if these youngsters are without licences and the bike/vehicle’s insurance does not cover additional users.
> The Education Ministry must make it compulsory for all schools under its jurisdiction to register students who travel to and from school via personal motorcycles or cars. During the school-level registration process, the students must furnish their licences and road tax details plus a consent letter from their parents/guardians allowing them to travel to and from school using the bike/car registered.
> The Communications Ministry should run more campaigns – on TV and radio, both public and private, and online, all in multiple languages – on road safety for students. Such campaigns should include not only the need for pepper licences but also safety and parental awareness.
> The public must take a more proactive role in alerting authorities when observing untoward behaviour by young riders and drivers on the road, especially at irregular times such as the wee hours. The “minding our own business” attitude does not apply here as not saying something could lead to innocent lives being lost.
My deepest condolences to the families of those who passed away at the Melaka Tengah incident, and I hope the injured rider recovers well. I hope and pray similar accidents can be prevented by incorporating some of the suggestions above.
VINOTH MONN BASKARAN
Senior safety manager
Seremban
