Ride responsibly and defensively – that is what the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) advises motorcyclists who will be on the road this Chinese New Year holidays. This is in hope of protecting and preventing them from being a part of the statistics.

Riding responsibly and defensively means riding to be seen, riding alert and riding prepared, especially in the wake of increased traffic volume over the festive period. The first day of Ops 21 last Sunday saw seven motorcyclist fatalities out of the total of nine fatalities.

Of the total 14,618 accidents recorded over a two-week period in conjunction with Chinese New Year in 2009 (Jan 19 to Feb 2), motorcyclists and pillion riders accounted for 72 % of overall fatalities, with 152 deaths. On the day before Chinese New Year alone in 2009, 23 of the total 28 people killed on the road were motorcyclists.

Evidence gathered from past crash investigations involving motorcyclists and pillion riders point to the fact that many lives could have been saved by merely observing the basic fundamentals of safe riding. This includes respecting the traffic regulations, ensuring the roadworthiness of the motorcycle, wearing and properly fastening the helmet, donning additional protective gear in the form of gloves, a jacket, being visible for example by wearing a reflective vest and refraining from taking unnecessary risks.

Yet, time and time again, senseless accidents and fatalities occur as a result of motorcyclists completely ignoring these very basic teachings for instance the importance of wearing a helmet, stopping at intersections, and even braking for the red light. Statistics also reveal that after 30 years of the helmet regulation being enforced in Malaysia, the compliance rate among motorcyclists is only 65%, of which urban areas have a compliance rate of 90% while only 45% of motorcyclists in rural areas adhere to wearing a helmet.

If you’re riding this Chinese New Year period, Miros advises that you to strictly adhere to the speed limit, avoid weaving in and out of traffic, stop at all junctions, ensure that the motorcycle lights are turned on, and use the turn indicators. Miros also advises motorcyclists to stop/ discontinue their journey at a safe location (at designated stopping areas, rest areas along the highway, or shaded area away from traffic) in adverse weather conditions which would severely impair the visibility of both motorcyclists and other road users.

Heavy rain also increases the risks of riding, at times hiding imperfections in the road, causing roads to become slippery and may cause riders to lose control of their motorcycles. Riders are strictly prohibited from seeking shelter under a bridge or underpass as this is a great safety risk to other motorists. In the event your motorcycle breaks down along the highway, try to find an opening in the guard rail and push your motorcycle behind it and away from traffic.

When this is not possible, motorcyclists are advised to park their motorcycle as close as possible to the guard rail and then wait a distance behind the guard rail until assistance arrives. Motorcyclists on long-haul journeys should rest if they feel tired. Those traveling on the leftmost lane along the highways are advised to stay alert and be on the constant watch for vehicles that may have become immobilised on the emergency lane.

If possible, ride in the daytime for greater visibility. A stern warning also goes out to those riding without a valid license as they not only put their lives at risk, but that of other road users.

On the same note, we also call on the drivers of other vehicles to be extra cautious and alert on the road, especially of motorcyclists who on occasions may be hidden from clear view. Those driving on trunk roads, especially drivers of heavy vehicles, are advised to give motorcyclists ample space when overtaking, be alert of motorcyclists and other road users who may be trying to join traffic from junctions, and to keep an eye on motorcyclists indicating their intention to turn, especially to the right.

Doing so doesn’t empower motorcyclists with the right of way. In fact they, like all road users are compelled to adhere to the traffic regulations. This translates more into an act of compassion taking into account the fact that unlike the drivers of vehicles, motorcyclists are essentially unprotected and exposed to a far greater risk..

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