My-Daybreak.org

Some time in April, after an accident involving a double-decker bus that left six people dead, the federal traffic police chief said : ” This is the worst road accident this year.”

I remember saying to myself, ” I hope so”. Well, the dubious record of ” the worst accident of the year” has been broken by latest accident involving yet another double-ducker bus that took 10 lives.

In the accident in April in Rawang, the bus was driven by a driver who had eight out-standing summonses for speeding. In the latest accident near Ipoh, the bus driver had a clean record but he fell asleep at the wheel.

In both cases, we can see that the human factor played a pivotal role.

I always believe that accidents can be avoided if drivers and motorists have the right mindset,  practise defensive driving, keep alert and are disciplined.

All punitive measures, like fines and blacklisting of bad drivers, will come to naught if we continue to be indifferent to potential hazards on the road ; worse, if we are aware but insist on tempting fate.

I have friends who have been driving for 20 to 30 years and have maintained a clean record. It is not mere luck. They respect the rights of other road users and obey traffic rules.

You and I can help reduce, if not stop altogether, the carnage on our roads. Admittedly, bad road and weather conditions increase the element of risk but if the mind is tuned to danger, the level of risk is markedly reduced. You are the one in control, the person behind the wheel.

If we follow rules, respect other road users, are patient and check our vehicles regularly, we can contribute positively to a reduction of unnecessary loss of lives and limbs.

Tam Yong Yuee
Muar