Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha today called for a change of mindset and attitude among road users, saying the human factor was the major element which contributed to road accidents.

NONE He said a study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) showed that the human factor was responsible for 67 percent of the deaths and injuries in road accidents, with road condition contributing to 28 percent and vehicle condition, five percent.

"Road users have to change their mindset or accidents will continue to happen. Evidently, the attitude of road users plays an important role.

"Always exercise courteousness on the road and among one another," he told reporters after launching the 12th Yamaha "Balik Kampung" Road Safety Campaign at the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza in Kuala Lumpur.

NONE Kong ( above ) said 60 percent of the 6,218 deaths in road accidents involved motorcyclists and their pillion riders, and added that they were in the high-risk group.

"The primary cause of death among motorcyclists and pillion riders is head injury. I advise motorcyclists to ensure that their machines are in good condition before making their 'balik kampung' trip.

"They should ride with caution and use the left lane, wear bright clothes and refrain from riding in a group," he said.

Kong also said that the number of road accidents which resulted in injury had dropped by 40 percent, from 46,531 to 25,268, between 2004 and last year.

The death index per 10,000 registered vehicles also dropped, from 4.51 to 3.55, during the same period, he said.

"This shows that government efforts have resulted in a positive impact and raised awareness among road users. However, the government will continue to step up efforts to reduce the accident rate," he said.

Malaysian Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association chairman Wee Hong said the campaign, with the theme "In Touch with Safety", was aimed at creating awareness of road safety features among motorcyclists and pillion riders.

"In conjunction with the campaign, trained technicians from Hong Leong Yamaha Motor will provide a 15-point inspection service free of charge as well as guidance on how to ride a motorcycle safely," he added.

- Bernama