NST,Friday, November 19, 2010
Speeding, tailgating, switching lanes, dangerous overtaking, jumping red lights, using handheld devices, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and sleepiness are the causes of many road accidents.
Human error is usually to blame. Motorists are often reminded of the risks involved but many seem to throw caution to the wind once behind the wheel.
Perhaps a fresh approach is needed to make road-safety campaigns more effective by focusing on the underlying factors of accident.
One reason why motorists drive dangerously is because they are in a rush. The fear of being late for appointments makes many motorists rush.
Of course, some may be in a real emergency. Those caught in such situations and using handheld devices while driving are courting trouble as they are likely to take more chances on the road to get to their destinations as fast as possible.
However, many motorists just have the bad habit of always rushing for no good reason and choose to drive recklessly.
Then there are those who always wait until the last minute, whether it is starting a journey or paying a bill.
Many motorists speed when approaching the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Low-Cost-Carrier-Terminal because they are late for flights or to receive guests.
The Road Safety Council should develop certain auto-suggestion techniques for motorists to ram home the message that rushing is one of the main causes of accidents.
Unfortunately for some, realisation comes too late, after tragedy has struck.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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