There has been a spate of terrible traffic accidents recently resulting in death and injury.
Renewed calls have been made to relook at the reasons for mayhem on the roads and what needs to be done to raise the level of safety.
For a country with a population of only 34 million, our road fatality rate is rather high.
It has been reported that more than half a million road accidents happened this year, and that 5,364 fatal accidents occurred this year until October.
Our roads have become risky and unsafe.
The increasing number of motor vehicles and proliferation of highways are contributing to the spike in traffic accidents.
The authorities are doing as much as possible by way of tougher laws and enforcement but the accidents keep piling up.
Highways, although maintained reasonably well, have now become racing circuits for cars, motorcycles as well as heavy vehicles.
We need new ideas to combat speeding. For a start, a system could be implemented where a red light can be flashed at the toll gate indicating that the driver had been speeding (based on data recorded from existing speed cameras on the highway) and risks being charged for the offence.
For a month, the Transport Ministry can conduct this experiment and fine-tune it to seek solutions.
Those found speeding will have the fine deducted immediately either by way of cash or from their Touch ‘n Go, RFID or other payment methods.
This way, highway users will be paying the toll charge as well as an immediate fine for speeding on the highway at the toll plazas.
Recently, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri revealed that 41 million traffic fines, amounting to an estimated RM4bil since 1990 through June of this year, remain unpaid by traffic offenders.
I am sure a system where the fines are immediate will prompt motorists to comply with speed limits.
Heavy vehicle drivers, who are the cause of many accidents as well as speedsters on the highways, will finally be nabbed.
Another issue is the poorly engineered upgrading of federal and state roads to avert floods.
Over the last two decades, some of these roads have been widened.
Old bridges over storm drains, streams and small rivers have also been rebuilt.
However, the problem here is that while the bridges were raised, the roads on both sides were not similarly elevated.
This results in many accidents due to the higher gradient.
I have noticed container trucks suddenly forced to brake when approaching these bridges, and this can cause the drivers to risk losing control of the vehicles and result in accidents.
Road maintenance, especially during the monsoon season, is critical with potholes needing to be quickly patched up, rubbish along the roads cleared to prevent flashfloods, street lights repaired, drains cleared and trees growing haphazardly along roads or blocking signboards pruned to avert accidents.
Ample warning signage of obstruction on the roads due to roadworks or construction should be installed to prevent mishaps.
Additionally, why isn’t the Kejara demerit points system for traffic offences, where points are deducted according to the types of traffic infractions, being implemented? This system is effective and fair.
This demerit points system gives sufficient warning to offenders not to repeat the offences. Beyond 20 points, it could lead to heavier penalties and even suspension of the driving licence.
V. THOMAS
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
