LETTERS: Running a light used to be associated with Mat Rempit, food delivery riders and other unruly motorcyclists. However, nowadays, cars, buses, vans and trailers have joined in on the act.
The police and Road Transport Department have been trying to rein in this problem.
In 2021, police had ranked running a light as the traffic offence with the highest number of cases.
Some suggested placing traffic policemen at intersections to deter offenders.
We should give more power and personnel to the RTD.
Enforcement patrols should be a permanent feature, and not just during festive periods.
If motorists are found guilty of running a light, they can fined up to RM2,000 or six months' jail.
But when motorists run a light deliberately and almost kill another motorist, doesn't the punishment seem light and unjust?
A two-week jail time and a three-month suspension of the motorist's driving licence seem tougher.
To change motorists' behaviour, the only way is enforcement and harsh punishment.
More red-light cameras will be helpful, and we could also ask the public to report these cases on WhatsApp.
Another thing is giving discounts for traffic offences. This emboldens motorists to misbehave on the roads and endanger the lives of others.
If the traffic lights turn green, we should check first before driving.
On our roads, green doesn't always mean "go". If we are not alert, we could be "gone".
J.K. JOSEPH
Ayer Keroh, Melaka
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times