The loss of five lives near Simpang Renggam, Johor, after two brothers allegedly raced each other on a public road, is a tragedy waiting to repeat itself on our highways – unless the authorities act decisively.
Let us stop skirting this massive problem. I travelled the North-South Expressway – well over 450km of it – during the recent long holiday and can attest that vehicles racing on our highways has become a normal sight.
I lost count of the number of times I spotted vehicles speeding, tailgating and lane-splitting in attempts to outdo each other.
The only time motorists seem to behave is when a patrol car with flashing blue lights is in sight.
This road madness is not going away, despite the authorities repeatedly urging motorists to observe road courtesy and not flout safety laws.
The harsh truth is stark. Our social values are in decline. Our enforcement is hamstrung by shrinking budgets. And respect for the road laws has been thrown to the wind.
Unless and until the government, MPs and political leaders take full ownership and are held transparently accountable, this road madness will keep growing out of control.
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With all the technology at our disposal, why can we not tackle this decisively?
Acting only after a tragedy has not worked. The road death statistics make that plain.
Change the laws if need be to drive home the point that dangerous road behaviour is an unforgivable crime. And enforce those laws.
Otherwise, we will simply keep counting the dead on our roads.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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