KUALA LUMPUR: Road safety is the responsibility of every individual, so all road users must be determined not to add to accident or fatality statistics during festive seasons, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said prioritising road safety must be done for the sake of everyone.
"We must not do anything that will result in crashes or accidents.
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"The most important thing this Chinese New Year is to reach our destination safely and celebrate with loved ones," he said when contacted on Thursday (Feb 8).
Lee also commended Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for deploying over 6,000 personnel nationwide for Ops Selamat, at hotspots for traffic congestion and so-called black spots where accidents often occur.
"We welcome the move by the police, especially the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, in taking action to ensure that roads and highways are safe during the celebrations.
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"Speeding has always been the prevalent cause of accidents. Other than that, drivers losing concentration owing to fatigue or using mobile phones are also factors," he said.
While heavy vehicles have been banned for four days on roads, especially highways on Thursday and Friday (Feb 9), as well as Monday and Tuesday (Feb 12 and 13), Lee hoped that the authorities would monitor speeding heavy vehicles on the days that they are allowed on the road.
"We also hope the police will do everything in their power to reduce the number of accidents this festive season," he said.
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Lee also reminded drivers to adhere to regulations and drive responsibly.
"Focus on driving well for the sake of all road users," he added.
Earlier, Razarudin had said that police would focus on speeding and five other main traffic offences, including driving in the emergency lane and using mobile phones while driving.