Ride safely, MIROS urges motorcyclists
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has today issued a statement calling for motorcyclists on the road to ride responsibly and defensively this festive period, to avoid joining yet another growing list of accident statistics.
This year’s Ops Sikap managed to rack up nine casualties in its first day alone, seven of them being motorcyclists. Last year, during the two-week period between 19 Jan and 2 Feb 2009, a total of 14,618 accidents were recorded nationwide. Motorcyclists and their pillion riders accounted for 72% of the overall fatalities, as 152 of them perished. On the eve of Chinese New Year 2009 itself, 28 people lost their lives on the road, 23 of them being motorcyclists.
According to MIROS Director General Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, 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, i.e. common sense!
These fundamentals include respecting the traffic regulations, ensuring the road-worthiness 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. Indeed, from our observations, motorcyclists who adopt such practices are few and far between.
“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,” said Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan.
According to another set of statistics provided by MIROS, though we have no way of verifying them, is that after 30 years of enforcing helmet regulations in Malaysia, the overall compliance rate nationwide is only 65%, with rural motorcyclists responsible for bringing the figure down. Rural compliance rate is at 45%, whilst urban compliance is at 90%. We must also not forget the likelihood that a sizeable portion of that 65% do not wear helmets of acceptable standards.
For the Chinese New Year period, MIROS has issued advice for motorcyclists to strictly adhere to the speed limits, avoid weaving in and out of traffic, stop at all junctions, ensure that the motorcycle lights are turned on, and use the turn indicators. We advise that you adhere to these tips at all times, CNY or not.
In adverse weather conditions, motorcyclists are also advised to stop at safe locations away from traffic. Most of our highways now have designated motorcycle stop areas at regular intervals. Motorcyclists should avoid stopping at places where they can obstruct traffic. Doing so puts both themselves and other motorists at risk as they introduce additional obstacles to the road.
Amongst all users of motorized vehicles, motorcyclists are the ones facing the greatest amount of risk due to their exposed nature. If you’re a motorcyclist, it pays to be additionally cautious, alert, and visible. Be wary of traffic around you, especially those coming from behind, and ensure that you are visible to motorists from afar. Also, try to avoid approaching other cars from their blind spots. Remember, if they can’t see you, they can’t avoid you.
Drivers also have their parts to play in ensuring the safety of motorcyclists. When overtaking, be certain to give the motorcyclists a wide breadth. This minimizes the effects of air turbulence generated by your passing car on them, and also ensures that they do not end up beneath your undercarriage if they accidentally fall over.
Remember that we all have a collective part to play in ensuring the safety of our roads. Whether you drive or you ride, be alert and be sensible. A small dose of common sense from each of us, can save a huge number of lives.
