Thursday December 25, 2008

Ensure safety of motorcyclists

THE Department of Road Safety (DRS) has legislated new regulations for the mandatory use of safety belts for rear seat car passengers.

There is no doubt that this will save lives during mishaps but why is the department not equally aggressive in pursuing other measures and safety compliance standards to reduce mishaps.

Statistics prove that the bulk of the road fatalities, no less than 70%, involve motorcyclists. The Public Works Department acknowledges this and has proposed dedicated motorcycle lanes as a solution.

Motorcyclists are not allowed on the Federal Highway, as there is a motorcycle lane. Of late, many parties are encroaching on the motorcycle lane, forcing the motorcyclists onto the Federal Highway.

Why is the department not advising the relevant authorities, through the Transport Ministry, to remind contractors doing maintenance and construction work involving motorcycle lanes to ensure the safety of this highly vulnerable group.

Even if there is a need to divert the motorcyclists onto the highway, a designated temporary lane must be provided to ensure safety as well to prevent motorcyclists from freely weaving onto the full length of the highway.

Also, all the underpasses for the motorcycle lane must be properly maintained to prevent flooding during a downpour.

Small improvements in reducing fatalities of motorcyclists will save more lives and should be made the first priority.

This can be achieved through proper coordination and cooperation between agencies without high manpower deployment or cost.

MUHAMMAD SHA’ANI ABDULLAH,

Secretary-General,

Fomca.