PUTRAJAYA: Education, empowerment and engineering (3Es) are crucial for safer roads, says the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).
Its chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said education and empowerment must work in tandem to create a safer environment on the road.
The engineering design of vehicles, as well as motorcycle helmets, he added, was also a crucial component of better road safety.
Wong said the 3E components could not operate in silos as each has its own important role to play and go hand in hand, he added.
“You can educate and have enforcement come in but if the engineering aspect is not done properly – for example if the car’s break system cannot sufficiently support a bigger car and engine – the 3Es will not work,” he said, acknowledging that it would take time to educate society on safe driving but once embedded, the habit would go very far in making our roads safer.
“At the same time, enforcement alone without education may deter one from violating road safety rules, but once there is no enforcement, the person may go back to their old ways,” Wong told The Star when met on the sidelines of the launch of the Conference on Asia Road Safety 2024 here yesterday.
Separately, Wong said Miros was currently working to help implement the anti-lock braking system (ABS) for motorcycles with an engine capacity of 150cc and below.
This comes following the government’s requirement for motorcycles with a capacity of 150cc and above to have an ABS beginning Jan 1 next year.
Wong said motorcycle owners could check with the vehicle manufacturer whether their rides were suitable to be fitted with the system.
“If suitable, please go back and get it done with the manufacturers instead of going to an accessory shop or doing it yourself,” he said.
On another matter, Wong said society plays a vital role in curbing illegal motorcycle racing and underage children driving.
“These are not solely the responsibility of the authorities.
“Society, parents, families and peers play a role too,” he said, while reminding individuals to do their part in helping those involved in dangerous acts to stop such behaviour.
“It’s dangerous not only to them but also to other innocent road users,” he said.
The proposal to reduce the speed limit in school zones from 40kph to 30kph should also be expanded to housing areas and beyond, said Wong.
“In any areas with pedestrians or even small children going around, like residential areas, there is a lot of risk,” he said.
