LETTERS: In Malaysia, generally, the affordability to own a vehicle increases steadily over the past decade led to increasing in traffic volume which not only worsen traffic congestion but also brings greater risk of road crashes and accidents resulting in injuries and deaths.
There are several factors which contribute to road crash such as ethic of road users, vehicle or road condition and the weather. The main cause of road crashes in Malaysia is the driver's personal habit or attitude.
Driving over the speed limit will increase the risk and fatality rate of road crashes and accidents.
This is due to the fact that while driving under high speed, the responsiveness of the driver to control the vehicle is reduced as the vehicle needs greater distance to stop.
Moreover, collision at high travelling speed increases tremendously, resulting in death due to severity of the crash.
Driving reaction times vary greatly with situation and from person to person and it is closely affected by physical and mental factors. For instance, a driver with vision issues or operating a vehicle while sleepy or fatigued leads to decrease in alertness over time that can lead to serious consequences.
Furthermore, neglecting traffic rules and regulations while on the road is an important factor influencing the risk of a road crash. The most common traffic offences that Malaysian drivers tend to do are beating the red light, speeding and overtaking at no passing zone.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is another major reason. Alcohol-impaired drivers are not capable to drive safely as it slows down the activity of nervous system, mainly the brain.
This will result in reduction of concentration, vigilance and distorted from actual views and reality, in which put the drunk drivers at higher risk for causing road crash.
While under the influence of alcohol, drivers incline to drive dangerously even driving on the opposite lane or in the wrong direction. Distracted driving is one of the main reasons that lead to road crashes and has become a growing threat to road safety.
Using the phone while driving is also major distraction to drivers. Studies show that a driver using the phone is four times higher to be involved in a road crash. There are reports that some drivers not only use their mobile phone to make a call or to text, but also access social media applications as well.
This can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and their hand off the wheel in which consequently reduce drivers' awareness on the traffic condition around them.
Improving and maintaining good driving behaviours and attitudes are the key components to enhancing the safety of road users. This can be achieved by properly controlling emotions and inculcate healthy mindset.
Good drivers properly service their vehicles before a journey by ensuring the engines, transmissions, brakes, tyres and lights are well maintained.
Additionally, the risk of road crash due to this factor can be reduced by honing and learning defensive driving skills to help reacting appropriately under difference circumstances.
Last but not least, sterner action should be taken to road users who break or fail to comply with a traffic law. It helps to motivate them to be aware of the consequences and deter them from repeating the same mistakes.
Mohamed Khatif Tawaf Mohamed Yusof
Muhammad Farid Muhammad Fathullah
Lecturers, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Kampus Pasir Gudang, Johor