Let this Hari Raya be remembered for safe road trips

AS Malaysians prepare to balik kampung and celebrate the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities, we are once again coming to grips with a recurring and tragic pattern – an increase in vehicle crashes and fatalities during festive seasons.

Every year, thousands of collisions are recorded during the festive periods. Statistics in recent years have shown that over 20,000 crashes can occur within just a week of festive travel, leading to loss of hundreds of lives nationwide. The people involved are not mere numbers; they are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters or friends.

Deaths on our roads must end. On behalf of the Alliance For A Safe Community, I call on all road users to embrace the “Vision Zero” concept, a principle that asserts crashes are preventable and loss of lives on our roads is unacceptable.

Safety must not be seen as optional; it must be a shared responsibility.

As Malaysians set out for their road trips this Hari Raya, let us commit to the following:

1. Plan our journey wisely. Avoid last-minute travel, check traffic updates, plan rest stops and ensure our vehicle is in good condition.

2. Stick to the speed limit. Speeding remains a leading cause of fatal crashes. We must remind ourselves that arriving safely is far more important than arriving quickly.

3. Rest and stay alert. Take breaks every two hours and stop driving immediately if we feel drowsy.

4. Show zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. Put away our phones. Distracted driving can lead to a lifetime of regret.

6. Wear seat belts and use child restraints. We must ensure all passengers are properly secured at all times.

7. Be patient and courteous. Festive traffic can be stressful so we must respect other road users and avoid aggressive driving.

8. Look out for motorcyclists. Give them space as they are vulnerable to road mishaps.

Achieving an accident-free Raya requires a change in mindset. Government agencies, enforcement bodies, NGOs and the public must work together to create a culture where road safety is a priority at all times. Let this Hari Raya be remembered not for tragedies on the roads but for safe journeys and joyful reunions.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Chairman

Alliance For A Safe Community