ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS WILL REDUCE ACCIDENTS DURING AIDILFITRI (EID) - SOLAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The many road safety campaigns lined up are
expected to reduce road accidents during Aidilfitri (celebration to mark the end
of Ramadan month), said Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Solah
Mat Hassan.

He said RTD targeted 15 percent less accidents during Ops Sikap XXII (Sept 4-19)
held jointly with the police to mark Aidilfitri.

There were 265 road accidents nationwide during Aidilfitri last year.

Solah said campaigns with agencies like the Road Safety Department would be
stepped up via distribution of leaflets and airplay by radio stations.

"Kampung folks are advised to avoid making last minute preparation like paying
zakat and shopping as it will lead to speeding.

"Motorists in rural areas must also change their habit of not using lights when
driving at night."

He told Bernama that focus would be on the 202 killer roads by patrolling as
hint to motorists so that they would follow traffic rules to reduce accidents.

Motorists were urged not to commit offences like speeding, using the emergency
lane, using handphone while driving, overtaking at double line, tailing too
close and ignoring traffic lights.

Solah said motorcyclists should wear crash helmets as statistics showed that
they contribute 60 percent of road accidents annually with some 6,200 deaths.

He hopes that no buses would be involved in road accidents during Aidilfitri
this year just like in 2009.

RTD would be deploying officers at 34 bus terminals nationwide to check tyres,
brakes, log books and ensure that buses have second drivers with valid driving
permits.
-- BERNAMA