ROAD accidents during the festive season continue to be a major concern for the community as the festive season approaches. Although various efforts have been made to increase safety awareness and continuous enforcement, accidents still frequently occur.
The Alliance For A Safe Community president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that the increasing number of road accidents during the festive season not only claims lives, but also deeply impacts individuals, families and society as a whole.
"Based on statistics from the police's Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) in Bukit Aman, almost 600,000 cases of road accidents were recorded in 2023 from Jan 1 to Dec 30, with nearly 6,000 involving fatalities. These numbers prove that road accidents are a problem that needs to be addressed immediately," he said.
"Road accidents do not discriminate based on age or occupation. They can claim the lives of adults, children, workers and family members.
"The impact is not only limited to the emotional strain on the families of the victims, but also a significant financial burden. Medical treatment costs, loss of income and other financial needs are among the challenges that victims face.
"Unlike accidents that occur while travelling to or from work, in which Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributors are protected, accidents outside working hours do not receive similar protection, such as those that occur during vacations.
"This means that victims and their families will have to bear the financial and emotional burdens resulting from such accidents.
"Therefore, it is time for the government to establish a more comprehensive and holistic protection mechanism for all types of accidents, including those that occur outside of working hours," he said.
Lee, who is a long-time safety and health activist, said although private insurance is an option, most people cannot afford proper coverage or the coverage may not be sufficient to address all financial needs arising from accidents. The scope of protection offered by private insurance companies is limited and not comprehensive.
"As a result, the establishment of another specific social security scheme with a broader scope of protection needs to be implemented for all groups, regardless of social status or occupation.
"This protection includes compensation for medical treatment, income replacement and financial support for the families of the victims," he said.
According to him, it is the government's responsibility to find solutions to reduce the accident rate and provide assistance to victims.
These include the development of safer road infrastructure, increasing safety awareness among road users, and providing financial assistance and emotional support to victims.
He emphasised that to ensure these goals are achieved, it is important for all parties to unite and cooperate. Only through collective efforts can we create a safer environment and ensure the safety of all individuals, regardless of where they are or their circumstances.
Furthermore, Lee also urged the public who will be returning to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri to make journey preparations, such as maintaining their vehicles before returning, getting adequate rest, checking the recommended travel schedule and adhering to road regulations for everyone's safety.