Accidents that occur along the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (ECE2) are not caused by uneven road surface, according to Works Minister Fadillah Yusof.

In fact, he noted, fatal accidents mostly occurred in locations where the roads were straight with good surface.

In a statement in Kuala Lumpur today, he said the findings were obtained by matching the fatal accident statistics with the results of the International Roughness Index (IRI) Profiling Test conducted on the road surface of the highway.

"Based on the results of the IRI tests conducted on Jan 8, 2016, it has been found that the entire 184km-road surface along the ECE2 is in compliance with the levels set by the Malaysian Highway Authority.

"The ministry has also matched the fatal accident statistics with the IRI values and found that fatal accidents did not occur on the rougher surfaces, but in fact, on straight stretches with good surface.

Fadillah said the ministry had carried IRI tests on ECE2 in two stages - on Oct 28, last year for a 60km stretch, and between Jan 5 and 8 this year for the entire range of 184km.

According to him, IRI tests conducted by Ikram Paves Sdn Bhd used a road scanner which scanned the road surface and checked its crossfalls using a laser, and the data obtained was analysed for use in maintenance works.

This was in addition to regular checks conducted on ECE2.

Fadillah said although uneven road surfaces were not the cause of accidents along the highway, the road surfaces concerned would continue to be repaired using methods to resurface and regulate, as well as by using special materials such as porous asphalt, micro surfacing, whisper grip and vibra line.

"The IRI tests will continue periodically so that maintenance works can be carried out properly and strategically, according to the standards and specifications set to ensure the safety and ride comfort of the users of ECE2," he said.

He also urged road users to drive carefully and comply with the speed limit along the highway.

- Bernama