Malaysians embarking on their journey back to their respective hometowns for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations are being reminded to place the highest priority on road safety to curb the alarming rise in traffic accidents and fatalities.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of the Alliance for Safe Community, highlighted that festive seasons in Malaysia historically witness a distressing spike in road tragedies. He noted that during the short span of the holiday week, the nation often records tens of thousands of accidents, a trend that demands immediate public attention and behavioral change.
Statistical data indicates that more than 20,000 road accidents can occur within a single week of the Aidilfitri celebrations, resulting in hundreds of lives lost across the country. Tan Sri Lee emphasised in a statement today that these figures represent more than just cold data; they signify the irreplaceable loss of loved ones and the devastation of families. He asserted that such a high toll of human life is unacceptable and must be halted through collective responsibility and heightened vigilance on the highways.
The safety advocate urged the public to embrace the “Vision Zero” concept, a philosophy which maintains that all road accidents are preventable and that no loss of life should be deemed acceptable. To achieve this goal, road users are advised to plan their journeys well in advance, strictly avoid speeding, and ensure that their vehicles are in optimal mechanical condition before departing. Proper vehicle maintenance is considered a foundational step in preventing mechanical failures that could lead to high-speed collisions.
Driver fatigue is another critical factor addressed in the safety advisory, with motorists encouraged to get sufficient rest and take breaks every two hours to remain alert. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a zero-tolerance issue, while the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel is flagged as a major risk factor for serious accidents. Furthermore, the consistent use of seatbelts and certified child safety seats is highlighted as essential for protecting all passengers in the event of an unforeseen incident.
Tan Sri Lee also called for increased patience and courtesy among drivers, especially when navigating heavy festive traffic. Special attention should be given to motorcyclists, who remain among the most vulnerable groups on the road. The Alliance for Safe Community maintains that achieving zero accidents during the festive season requires a multi-party effort involving the government, enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the general public. Safety is described not as a matter of chance, but as a deliberate choice made by every individual whenever they take to the road.
