KUALA LUMPUR: Road users have been advised to exercise caution and abide by traffic rules ahead of the long Merdeka weekend, as traffic volumes are expected to rise sharply across the country.
Selangor Road Transport Department (RTD) director Azrin Borhan said motorists should plan their journeys, avoid speeding, and ensure they are well rested before getting behind the wheel to reduce the risk of accidents.
“With more vehicles on the road, the risks of accidents are higher if motorists fail to abide by the rules.
“Practising courteous driving behaviour is essential in efforts to lower accident rates in the country,” he said.
Azrin said the state RTD earlier held a road safety advocacy programme at the Elmina North Toll Plaza together with highway operator Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) aimed at motorcyclists, pillion riders, as well as express and tour bus passengers.
“Key emphasis was placed on the proper use of motorcycle lanes, compliance with seatbelt requirements for bus passengers, the nine major road offences, and the sharing of road safety tips,” he said.
He added the programme began with welcoming remarks from Prolintas operations manager, Muhamad Hilmi Muhammad Sauki, followed by a road safety talk to 40 Prolintas staff.
“We distributed road safety flyers, provided goodie bags, distributed and replaced helmets, and conducted information-sharing sessions.
“We welcome all programmes organised by various parties in the effort to lower road accident rates in Malaysia.
Our main objective is to ensure road users are courteous, patient and law abiding while also ensuring that vehicles plying these roads are well maintained and road worthy,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
