We refer to the Malaysiakini article On a wing and a prayer by Mariam Mokhtar.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) stands in agreement with the writer. Whilst the arguments raised in the article centred on the safety aspects pertaining to express buses, the issues put forward nevertheless concerns all road users.

The government is continuing to press hard on what is known as a Safe System Approach to enhance the level of road safety in Malaysia. Statistics have indicated that road safety has been on the decline since 1997. Due to higher exposure on the roads resulting from the higher number and better performing vehicles as well as other factors – some of which are beyond the control of the authorities – Malaysia has been unable to sustain the intended progress in road safety.

Malaysia has set a target of two fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles by 2010, and going by the results posted in 2008 of 3.63 fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles, we are at risk of not meeting this target. For the record, in 2005, the number of fatalities stood at 4.2 fatalities per 10,000 registered vehicles and progress has been incrementally achieved.

The Safe System Approach ideology is that ‘an accident may happen, but it should not result in death or injury’. It underlines the need to approach road safety as a system, meaning that no one is at fault, but all of us – the authorities, government, vehicle manufacturers, operators, vehicle handlers and public, and the society at large are equally responsible.

A great number of strategies, procedures and regulations have been formulated in the past. In fact, the target set by the government was guided by evidence and was in fact an empirical target as opposed to the less potent aspirational targets. These targets were based on suggested interventions and the potential savings in life to be gained if and when such interventions were successfully implemented, thus providing the intended outcomes. Some of the interventions are as follows:

1. The introduction of the rear seat belt law

2. The implementation of the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) implementation on commercial vehicles

3. The adoption of UNECE R66 and R80 to ensure that the bus superstructure and seat anchorage are of sound structural integrity

4. The upgrading of guardrails to a more appropriate level

5. The implementation of the Automated Enforcement System (AES) to complement enforcement efforts

6. The implementation of the new driving training system

7. The execution of effective and continuous campaigns and advocacy programmes

8. The establishment of community-based programmes on motorcycle safety and other community-based safety issues

9. The introduction of the road safety education programme in schools

10. The construction of motorcycle lanes

In order for us to prevent unnecessary crashes, especially to make them all survivable and less serious accidents, all parties must commit to the aspirations and philosophy of the Safe System Approach. Time, money and good management are necessary for the plans to be executed and to have the desired outcomes.

We must also not forget that the public and all road users also have our responsibility. The road safety slogan ‘You can make a difference’ was introduced with a purpose. We know from research that Malaysians are not easily susceptible to change and will usually practice double standards in its action.

For example, we hear the hue and cry over bus drivers going above the speed limit, but we also see a great deal of drivers wanting and indeed intentionally cruising above the permitted speed limits and doing so at times in dangerous conditions such as with poor vision and when it rains.

We also hear the public complain about the risk they are exposed to on the roads, but the public is also apathetic to the importance of wearing rear seat belts, ensuring their children have valid driver’s licenses and wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle and many other instances.

While we promote the use of public transportation by making it cheaper and more efficient, Malaysians insist on having a minimum of three cars per household, each using the same to commute, thus contributing to traffic jams and pollution, and adding to a higher propensity to crashes.

What can we say about the decline of our rear seat belt compliance rate from 48.1 % from its highest in February 2009 to 13.9 % in October 2009?

With various strategies in place, the initiatives we have taken as a nation will enhance road safety provided all parties take heed on its inner meanings and take appropriate actions to meet its aspirations.

1. ‘People First, Performance Now’:

a. Any initiative that is required to ensure safety must not be misconstrued by the public in that the government does not place the interest of the rakyat ahead of other matters.

b. The service provider must ensure that the intended outcomes of all initiatives are realised in order for the people and the nation to reap the benefits. Only then will we meet our road safety targets.

c. Will must be clearly demonstrated especially in prioritising funding to support road safety initiatives.

d. All parties must embrace a common goal and thus facilitate as well as support the drive towards safer roads.

One critical factor to help address the safety concerns associated with express buses, and for that matter, all commercial vehicles, is to immediately enhance the professionalism of drivers. This is an area that requires fast action.

It involves providing adequate and appropriate training of drivers beyond the current scope of obtaining a licence to pilot a commercial vehicle, certifying them, coming up with an appropriate pay structure and creating a clear career path. This will ensure that the nation has an adequate pool of competent and safe commercial drivers.

2. ‘Leadership by example’

a. Leadership by example is very important to communicate the correct message, especially with regards to helmet and seat belt wearing, speeding and other traffic offences.

b. The will to change and the will to commit towards action and the sustainability of these actions are critical.

c. Each and every citizen takes charge of his or her actions. Be a leader and do your part to make our roads safer for all.

It is only together, that we can truly make a difference.

The writer is director-general, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).