KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities expect the number of road accidents and deaths to increase further during this Hari Raya Aidilfitri's Op Selamat 9.
This is based on the prevalent negative attitude of many road users, which had been a major factor behind most road crashes in the past.
Federal police Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (TEID) chief Datuk Mahamad Akhir Darus said motorists, especially those driving back to their hometowns during the festive season, should practise safe driving if they want to reach their destinations safely.
"While life and death is determined by God, and it is not our place to say about whether there will be many deaths or not, the trend shows that number of accidents and fatalities might continue to increase this time around (Op Selamat 9).
"If road users still continue to flout traffic rules, have no respect for others and drive recklessly, there will surely be a hike in accident cases.
"I would like to advise motorists to practice safe driving and be considerate on the road, as we do not want our road users, especially those who wish to return to their hometowns for Hari Raya, to become a part of the accident statistics," he told a press conference at the federal police headquarters, here today.
Akhir said last year's Hari Raya Op Selamat recorded 330 deaths, an increase of 39.2 per cent from 2014 (237 deaths).
The statistics also showed a total of 20,458 non-fatal accident cases during 2015's Op Selamat for Hari Raya, compared to 18,484 cases the previous year.
Among the major causes of fatal accidents were losing control of the vehicle, entering the opposite lane, attempting to overtake at dangerous spots and making dangerous turns at junctions.
Akhir said these incidents were contributed by factors, among others, reckless driving, flouting of traffic rules, inconsiderate behaviour on the road and selfish acts.
For Op Selamat 9, which runs from yesterday until July 13, he said TEID will be going all out with its total enforcement concept with focus given on six major offences - illegal use of emergency lanes, overtaking at double lines, running red lights, speeding, jumping queues and using mobile phones while driving.
Akhir said the authorities have also formed 14 emergency response teams comprising personnel from multiple agencies, including police, Fire and Rescue Department, St John Ambulance, Civil Defence Department and Red Crescent Society for the operation.
The teams are put on standby for quick accident response at 14 strategic locations.