THE rising number of traffic accidents involving lorry and trailer drivers is a matter of grave concern, warranting immediate action.
These accidents often stem from drivers who operate with a rogue and recalcitrant mindset.
A recent example was the seven-vehicle crash on Feb 3 near Simpang Pulai on the North-South Expressway, where two lorry drivers died.
The primary cause was a trailer losing control and crashing into an oncoming vehicle. Apart from the loss of life, the eight-hour traffic jam that the accident caused likely resulted in economic losses to others.
It was also discovered that the lorry driver involved had two outstanding traffic summonses, yet he continued to drive with the fleet owner's approval. Additionally, both lorries in the crash lacked a co-driver, depriving the drivers of rest.
Rules governing lorry drivers mandate rest after a certain number of driving hours.
However, the pressure imposed by fleet owners to meet delivery deadlines often results in non-compliance, putting both the drivers and the public at risk.
It is crucial to shift the focus from merely penalising drivers to holding the owners of truck fleets accountable. As an example of holding those who enable tragedies legally accountable, a mother in the United States is on trial over the school shooting her son committed in 2021.
If the driver faces charges, the owner should equally be held responsible.
If current laws do not provide for holding fleet owners accountable, the government must consider enacting legislation to allow this. The Transport Ministry should address the issue by suspending the licences of lorry drivers with a history of multiple traffic offences.
It is high time we direct our efforts towards ensuring that lorry fleet owners prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their drivers, thereby safeguarding the lives of others on the road.
By taking action against negligent lorry fleet owners, we can create an environment where responsible practices are not just encouraged but enforced.
This is not just an issue of individual accountability but a societal imperative to protect lives and ensure the smooth functioning of our transport infrastructure.
DR POLA SINGH
Former secretary-general
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Malaysia (CILTM)