| Azlan Othman & Wani Roslan |
THE Minister of Communications Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof has urged the Land Transport Department (JPD) and driving schools in the country to review and revise the training syllabus for motorcyclists, in view of the recent spike in road accidents involving motorcycles.
“I think this should be a priority, in addition to the ongoing awareness campaign,” he said.
The minister made this call at the ‘Safe Drive, Safe Lives’ Road Safety Awareness Campaign 2018, organised by Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd yesterday to mark its 28 years of Lost Time Injury (LTI) free safety performance achievement.
The event took place at the Civil Service Institute (IPA) in Rimba. The minister also stressed on the importance of ‘defensive driving’ to help reduce the risk of road accidents.
“In this regard, I welcome JPD and other stakeholders to work on methods to impart defensive driving training to motorists in general and motorcyclists in particular.
“As we already know, road safety is one of the issues that is seriously addressed by the Ministry of Communications. Statistics prepared by the Centre for Transport Research showed that in 2017, the number of accident cases increased by five per cent to 3,552, compared to 3,375 cases in 2016. There has been a consistent increase in accidents since 2015.”
“However, what we need to take seriously is the 71 per cent increase in the number of fatalities due to road accidents in 2017 which saw 29 deaths, compared to 17 deaths in 2016.
“Further studies have also shown that half of those who have lost their lives in 2017 were youth aged 19-38. Of the 29 casualties, seven were high-risk road users such as cyclists, joggers and pedestrians,” the minister said.
“Since 2015, accidents involving injuries are also increasing. In 2017, the number of injuries increased by about 20 per cent – from 473 injuries in 2016 to 529 injuries.
“It is hoped that these statistics will be able to illustrate and convince the public about the importance of road safety issues. As such, the Ministry of Communications has initiated more holistic measures that focus more on strategic collaboration with the private sector, volunteer and non-governmental organisations. Today’s event is an example of such cooperation,” the minister noted.
“The Brunei National Road Safety Council (BNRSC) will take steps through a new approach that focuses more on deterrent strategies. Several action groups have been formed under the BNRSC to implement policies and strategies based on an action-oriented approach. These action groups will play a key role by effectively using the media in promoting awareness on road traffic rules.
“No less important is the need to nurture a responsible culture that promotes understanding about the proper use of roads. I hope that various stakeholders – the private sector, non-governmental and volunteer organisations will come forward and work together with the BNRSC to jointly raise awareness on road safety,” the minister said.
Meanwhile in his opening remarks, Mohammad Roger Ainsworth, Executive Advisor of Megamas, said, “Education and other awareness initiatives by various government and private sector agencies play an important role in preventing road accidents.”
He added that Megamas is organising a free intensive road safety awareness programme for the public starting today. All seats have been filled by civil workers from various ministries and members of the public within a short period of time.
“This overwhelming response shows how importantly the public is viewing road safety – to ensure that their loved ones arrive home safely at the end of the day,” he said.
He added that Megamas has been conducting defensive driving training courses for employees of government and private sectors, particularly those in the oil and gas industry, as well as the general public for more than 15 years.
At the event, guest speaker Peter Hodgson, a road safety consultant and trainer from the United Kingdom gave a short briefing on road safety.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and a group photo session with the guest of honour and committee members of the event.
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