Incessant national tragedies on our roads

National tragedies on our roads keep repeating incessantly. Since 2007, after a series of  express bus accidents, we have been talking about Vehicle Safety Standards and bus driver management system in order to bring down express bus accidents. However, until today we have not implemented these standards or regulations. CAP urges the authorities to stop wasting any more time over this all important matter.

In December 2010, 28 Thai tourists lost their lives while coming down from Cameron Highlands. This was considered the worst national tragedy on our roads. A special panel was set up and given 6 months to investigate and come up with proposals. What have we learned from that tragedy?

Now, after one year, we have another tragedy involving foreign tourist again and this time at Genting Highlands. It is indeed a shame for us to continue with this trend, especially when it involves tourists from other countries as it becomes international news.

According to press reports the driver was speeding and one of the passengers was urging the driver to slow down, but her pleas were ignored. It has not been determined whether there was a brake failure which made the driver ignore the pleas of the passenger. However, one thing is for sure, it requires a cool-headed and skilled driver with a roadworthy bus to descend from the highlands to safety. Both of this are badly lacking in Malaysia.

From the driver aspect we are still talking about implementing refresher courses and Safety Health and Environment Code of Practice (SHE COP). Apparently we have all the studies done and come up with regulations and guidelines, but the political will to implement them is missing.

The authorities should take a tough stance when it comes to road safety and not give in to the bus companies or manufacturers because they ask for more time to conform. Any further delay will not be acceptable to express bus passengers and especially to the families of the victims.

Letter to the Editor, 6 March 2012