By YS Chan
Works Minister Fadillah Yusof recently replied in Parliament that the government would consider raising the highway speed limit to 130kph if recommended by the Road Safety Department and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research after proper studies were conducted.
However, this assurance did not prevent those who believe that speeding is the main cause of accidents, to voice their opinions in the press. Another reader proposed that different speed limits be set for each lane.
Interestingly, the MP who proposed to raise the speed limit in the current Parliament sitting also did the same two years ago. He suggested the left lane be maintained at 110kph, the middle lane 110-130kph, and the right lane 130-150kph.
As the authorities have been unable to capture 99% of all incidents where motorists have exceeded the speed limits, we should not introduce more laws that are difficult to enforce, as the few that are caught will feel victimised.
But the proposal for minimum speeds on the middle and right lanes is worth examining. Contrary to popular belief, most accidents are not caused by high speed but excessive speed relative to the traffic. Many people use the word “speeding” too freely and in general terms.
It is much safer to drive on a highway at 120kph than 60kph when other vehicles are crawling in heavy traffic. Many motorists tend to change lanes upon spotting a gap in cars ahead and accidents often occur when more than one driver has the same idea and accelerates.
As such, it is not speeding per se but rushing that is the main cause of accidents. Every year, several children are rolled over by a car reversing out of a house. Those in a rush will try to beat traffic lights and change lanes frequently.
Alarmingly, many drivers rush to their destinations not because they are late but out of habit as they are used to spirited driving. On the other hand, we have road hogs that pay no attention to the long line of vehicles behind them.
Setting a minimum speed for middle and right lanes on our roads and highways would be welcomed by most motorists, and there will be fewer accidents.
As for raising speed limits, it would be better to start in the cities and towns. If 90% of the traffic exceeds the 50kph or 60kph limit, then it should be raised by 10kph.
If not, we have only set rules for the majority of motorists to break and hardly any enforcement, making a mockery of the law. One such road is Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur.
Why are enforcement agencies not held accountable? Can they freely decide when and where to carry out enforcement?
Our lawmakers should realise that stringent laws do not mean that everything will be in order. People will not follow rules if enforcement is lax.
YS Chan is an FMT reader.
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