Thirty-nine percent of the deaths in accidents last year on the network of highways operated by Plus Expressways Berhad involved motorcyclists and pillion-riders, the country’s biggest highway concessionaire said today.  

Plus Expressways Berhad managing director Noorizah Hamid said motorcyclists were involved in 1,379 accidents last year on the highways, which are used daily by more than one million vehicles.

“This year, up to November, we recorded 1,350 accidents and 130 deaths involving motorcyclists and pillion-riders,” she told reporters at the launch of the motorcyclists safety programme, Gempak, Subang Jaya.  

Nevertheless, she said, the rate of accidents and deaths on Plus highways is much lower than that on state and municipal roads.

Three sessions of the Gempak programme had been held since October to enlighten motorcyclists on safe riding, particularly on highways. The final session will be held on Dec 26.

- Bernama