MOTORISTS NEED TO CHANGE HABITS, ADAPT TO SITUATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Drivers and motorcyclists need to change
their driving habits and ways to ensure that they are ready for any
possibility, even if the speed limit allows them to drive fast.

Road Safety Department (JKJR) director-general Suret Singh said
motorists' awareness on the matter was still low though it should be at the
optimum level based on the campaigns carried out so far.

"The first thing drivers should do is to adhere to the speed limit, but also
remember that they should change it according to the road conditions, such as
rain.

"Even if the speed limit allows us to drive 110km per hour, we must slow
down if it rains because the roads can be slippery.

"Reduce speed and maintain a safe distance. Although this is basic
knowledge, it will not help if we don't change our habits and adapt
to the road conditions," he said after observing the Road Safety Advocacy
Campaign in Jalan Ampang, here, Friday.



Suret Singh said the department would continue to work with all agencies to
ensure that the awareness campaigns through education and information would have
an impact on road users.

Regarding the effectiveness of the advocacy campaigns conducted so far,
Suret Singh said studies showed that the awareness of Malaysians had increased
and that they understood the department's message.

Although the campaigns reached their goal of spreading awareness, it wasn't
enough as motorists would only abide by regulations if action was taken, for
example, in the wearing of rear seat belt campaign, he said.

"Many are aware but 40 per cent said they only used the rear seat belt after
it was enforced. So from that, we know that education alone is not enough. It
must be supported by enforcement," he added.

-- BERNAMA