ISKANDAR PUTERI: International racing driver Jazeman Jaafar was today unveiled as the road safety icon for the Johor Road Safety Council.
Jazeman, who is currently racing for McLaren GT Driver Academy, added some star appeal in when he was introduced on the fourth day of the Progressive Johor Expo today.
Johor-born Jazeman, who is from Muar, was recently appointed as Johor Road Safety Council's Deputy Chairman II. The 24-year-old has been tasked with teaching youths about the importance of following road regulations.
“Being in my 20s, I can easily engage with young drivers and motorcyclists when it comes to imparting knowledge about road safety.
“I can understand where they come from, and I am raring to get involved in the forums and events we have planned for youths in order to save lives on the road,” said Jazeman.
Motor sports, he said, was a discipline and there were many regulations that need to be followed by race car drivers before they could get behind the wheel, compared to regular drivers on the road.
“Most accidents happen due to inconsiderate driving habits, and there is a need to address this matter to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries,” said Jazeman.
He was met by the New Straits Times after the launch of the new logo for the Johor Road Safety Council here by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim at the Progressive Johor Expo in Kota Iskandar, today.
Besides Jazeman, Johor-born comedian Harith Iskander was also appointed as an icon for the council's road safety awareness campaign.
Johor Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad, who was present at the event, said the state recorded one of the highest numbers of road fatalities in the country.
“Police figures show that there were 1,135 road fatalities in Johor last year out of the 73,116 accidents that occurred throughout the year," said Hasni, who is Johor Road Safety Council chairman.