TS,Tuesday 6 September 2011
I refer to “It goes beyond driver training” (The Star, Aug 30) and agree with the writer on ‘impersonal civility’. Contradictory behaviour is common in our society. Those who are thoughtful to their own kind and kowtow towards people with status can be inconsiderate and indifferent to others.
Why is civility lacking in our society? The root cause is lack of self-respect and, by extension, courtesy towards others, including loved ones.
Many go through great lengths in performing religious rituals, but their values and behavior have much to be desired.
Our thoughts and actions show that we are too superficial.
We are proud of our economic success over the past 35 years but it came at the expense of having tens of millions of foreign workers, most of them semi-literate and large numbers illegal, passing through our shores and weakening the fabric of our society.
During this period, a million Malaysians have settled in more developed countries and together with their children, have made positive contribution to the host nations.
Local public transportation expert Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Nor recently said the only way to overcome incompetent driving was to revise the driving school syllabus.
Bearing in mind that anyone who has to sit for an exam will naturally focus on passing rather than learning, revising the syllabus alone may not produce the desired outcome.
Competency-based-training (CBT) for work based learning may be more suitable as it has no fixed time frame. Some can be certified competent within a short time while others take longer. However, implementing CBT for awarding of driving licences would pose new challenges.
As for road safety, the experts tell us that education, engineering and enforcement are the three major factors. I would add ‘example’ to make it 4Es, and offer some suggestions to make these more effective.
First is on education. It includes road users such as motorists, cyclists and pedestrians plus the authorities. Many of those entrusted with public responsibilities lack the expertise or care as custodians. The approval criteria for locally built truck and bus bodies is one example.
Second is on engineering. I am waiting for the day when motor vehicle manufacturers connect a wire from the horns to the headlights. Think about how many collisions could have been avoided and lives saved, if the headlights would automatically flash when the horn button is pressed in an emergency. Warning sounds can hardly be heard in a noisy environment such as with the stereo at full blast or in heavy rain.
Uncovered potholes not only damage tyres and vehicle suspensions but also cause accidents when drivers either brake or swerve suddenly to avoid them. Motorists respond similarly upon sighting a badly repaired stretch or puddle on the road.
Third is on enforcement. The authorities should not overspend to hire an army of enforcement officers or wait for sufficient budget to install thousands of static cameras. Without having to spend another ringgit, traffic offenders can be caught on mobile cameras instead of allowing them to get away with impunity.
The Police, Road Transport Department and the Land Public Transport Commission should appoint private corporations to hire camera crews to videotape traffic offences. As payment is based on the evidence submitted, the exercise is not only self-funding but also highly profitable.
Fourth is on example. Upon getting their driver’s licence, what was learnt in driving school is quickly thrown out the window, as new drivers would ape other motorists to show that they are just as good. However, most will end up just as bad by following others to stay cool.
When traffic lights take too long to change and there is no oncoming traffic, the head of the queue driving off often leads in the rest following suit.
The first car switching to the emergency lane in congested traffic is bound to open the floodgates.
Under ideal conditions, driving at high speed is not dangerous. Rushing is the cause of reckless driving and is unsafe at any speed, including when reversing. Inconsiderate driving is due to poor driving skills and attitude. These are all contagious and can only be stopped with radical measures.
Offenders caught on camera or by patrol officers should be given a 30-day period to report at any Road Transport Department to be interviewed and, if necessary, undergo counselling to curb their bad driving habits, or training to improve their driving skills.
Millions of summonses issued have not proved to be a deterrent. Perhaps, the fear of having to spend time for counselling or training will induce many motorists to behave behind the wheel.
The lifestyles of many Malaysians indicate that they give scant regard to death or ill health as 60 per cent of the adult population is overweight or obese due to overeating and lack of exercise.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
No comments:
Post a Comment