Hidden hazards: Blindspots on the bus driver’s end might expose riders to danger on the road, even if the rider’s visibility is unimpeded.
KUALA LUMPUR: Adhering to safety and traffic rules is key to reducing road accidents involving motorcyclists, say experts.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said motorcycles are looked at as the most dangerous mode of transportation, as seen by the high accident rate involving them.
“If a motorcycle is the most feasible form of transport for some people, then riders, including e-hailing riders, must take every safety precaution to not endanger themselves or others.
“Wear the necessary protective gear such as helmets and avoid speeding,” he said when contacted.
He said helmets must meet the necessary requirements set by the authorities.
“The right helmets must also be fastened properly.
“The rate of wearing helmets is about 95% in Kuala Lumpur but it is lower in smaller cities, towns and rural areas,” he said.
More awareness on safe riding should be made as well, he said.
“Motorists, including riders, should avoid the mindset of needing to prove something on the road, such as showing off expertise as a rider or driver.
“Speeding should be avoided at all costs as our roads are not meant for racing,” he said.
Speeding would hamper riders’ safety as they would not be protected from the impact of a collision or crash, he said.
“Respect traffic laws so that your life or safety will not be the price you pay just to prove a point,” he added.
Incompatibility should be a factor as well, he pointed out.
“For example, a rider behind a bus might see the bus but it does not mean the bus driver would have seen the rider.
“We should not take such things for granted as it could lead to tragedy.
“Those in a bigger vehicle might have certain blind sides. So it is better for the riders to maintain a safe distance.
“After all, it is easier to change our attitude than to change that of others,” he added.
Wong said a little understanding between road users could prevent unnecessary tragedies.
“Everybody has a role to play. When we have understanding and tolerance, we can avoid mishaps on the road,” he said.
Road Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it is a common scene to see so many motorists beating the traffic light and violating traffic rules.
“In view of the bad attitude of the riders, the enforcement agency must step up enforcement and take action to impose fines on them.
“The public should cooperate with the enforcement agency by giving information and taking the initiative to advocate social corporate responsibility to road users.”
Strict enforcement is essential to reduce road accident rates, he added.
“A firm stance on the enforcement of traffic laws is of utmost importance.
“Public awareness on road safety does not show encouraging development, although the government and certain parties conduct various road safety campaigns every year,” he said.
Lee said as many as 80% of road accidents were due to human error, negligence or dangerous speed driving, and more significantly, many road users failing to comply with road regulations.
“Each individual is responsible for their own safety on the road, but unfortunately, education and awareness campaigns do not provide satisfactory results,” he said.
The cooperation of the road user community, whether through NGOs, industry players or stakeholders, on how they can work together to enforce the law needs to be further strengthened and improved, Lee said.
“Traffic rules are meant to ensure orderly traffic on our roads, while summonses are meant to make offenders aware in a difficult way if they break the rules.
“The discounts offered will make those who break the law feel that their offences are minor. So, they will never learn and realise their mistakes,” he said.
