KOTA KINABALU: Drive safely and ‘slowly’ to avoid road accident during this festive season, advised Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
He called on motorists to stick the road safety tips provided by the Road Safety Department (JPJR) in front of the driver seat to serve as a reminder to drive safely.
There are seven road safety tips provided by JPJR but Pairin added the eighth one advising motorists ‘don’t drink & drive’.
The rest of the tips are wear seatbelt, wear helmet, do not speed, use pedestrian walk, use child/ boaster seat, do not text & drive and do not tailgate.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘State-level Road Users Safety Campaign in Conjunction with Kaamatan Festival’ at the compound of Kota Kinabalu City Hall here yesterday, he also proposed that motorists to be given a refresher course on road safety from time to time.
“This course could perhaps helps to refresh the memory of the motorists on safety driving because accident not only happens through collision but through self reckless driving too,” pointed out Pairin.
And maybe those who have a clean record from road accident will be given an appreciation certificate to acknowledge their contributions in making our road safe, he added.
Pairin who is also Infrastructure Development Minister also called on the State’s Public Works Department to carry out studies to make sure all prone accident motorway in the state are safe for motorists to avoid untoward mishap.
He also wants the department to install adequate signboard or direction to warn motorists about the hazard ahead of the road as well as making sure all the signage are clear and not faded as in some cases there are missing letters.
He hoped the continuous efforts carried out by the various government agencies and departments as well as non-governmental organisations will helps the state to achieve the zero target of fatal road accident.
“I disagree with the target set by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to achieve two fatal road accidents for every 10,000 accidents.
“Our goal (in Sabah) is to achieve no death. So we must drive carefully and I think they (MoT) should review their target,” said Pairin.
Besides that, he also suggested to the Road Transport Department to come out with a clear indication for the demerit point system imposed on motorist involved in accident.
For instance, he said we need to know what is the deduction point if the driver ran over a dog or involved in collision with another car.
Meanwhile, he said this year campaign the organisers have invited the participation from the school students.
“Today campaign also involved the students because we want to instil the awareness of road safety while they are still young. And also to let them understand the rules and regulations,” said Pairin, adding that we should pray first before we drive like when we are boarding a plane.
On the theme of the campaign ‘Slow Down’ or in Sabah and Kadazan languages ‘Palan-Palan Bah’ or ‘Kada Koidau’, he said the slogan is timely to send out a clear message to drive cautiously while on the road.
Also present were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister Department Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, Sabah police chief Datuk Ramli Din, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, its director-general Datuk Joannes Solidau and State JPJR director Jaslin B. Matjumping.-MWONG/BNN
