KOTA BAHARU, April 12 — Motorcyclists and pillion riders who failed to wear safety helmets accounted for the highest number of fatalities in road accidents in Malaysia.
Based on Bukit Aman Traffic statistics, for the period 2005 to 2014, 39,744 motorcyclists and pillion riders were killed in road accidents.
Road Safety Department (JKJR) deputy director-general Abdul Haris Lakar said the highest number of deaths involved teenagers between the ages of between 16 and 25.
“As such, awareness on the importance of maintaining safety aspects on roads like wearing a helmet that complied to SIRIM standards while riding or as a pillion passenger, should be nurtured and observed from a young age,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching a Special Programme on Road Safety Advocacy and Long Short Walk at the Kok Lanas Community College that was also attended by the Kelantan Road Safety Council chairman, Datuk Abdul Fattah Mahmood here, today. — Bernama
