More cars mean more accidents
EVERY day, we complain about the number of deaths on our roads. The figure isn’t going down. Often, the number shows a spike during festive seasons.
The number of road fatalities and injuries is too high. In fact, it is one of the highest in the world. It could be brought lower, even to zero.
A goal of zero fatalities may be out of reach, yet, in Scandinavian countries, such a vision is part of the government’s agenda.
The idea to build more roads does not solve the problem. More roads mean an invitation for more vehicles to cause accidents and congestion.
Widening roads never solved road woes anywhere in the world. And congestion means accidents.
To invest in good quality, fast, clean and reliable public transport is one way to help.
We should build tram lines and have efficient bus services. We must implement designated periods on the road where specific modes of transport are given priority.
This could be cars, bicyclists, pedestrians or public transport at different times of the day.
Information and awareness must be conveyed through the media about safe driving, vehicular maintenance, wearing safety belts, drink driving, speed and using mobile phones.
Enforcement must be strict.
There is a high correlation between road accidents and the number of vehicles on the road multiplied by the distance travelled by each vehicle.
Crashes cause massive losses to the economy.
Also, the cost to families of those who die is incalculable.
We have a population of about 31 million. More people means more cars. More cars means more accidents.
Population growth over an optimum size means massive costs to re-engineer our towns and cities, outstripping funding and natural resources.
We must, therefore, restrict population growth. It will contribute to reducing road crashes and managing climate change.
n DR A. SOORIAN, Seremban, Negri Sembilan