Road safety not the sole responsibility of TPTRAFFIC POLICE (TP) enforcement efforts against heavy vehicle drivers have been stepped up, but public education and engagement remain equally important in reducing accidents.
That was the message put forward by Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Education and Home Affairs) Mr Masagos Zulkifi on Thursday's Parliament sitting, in response to Assoc Prof Kalyani K Mehta's question about whether existing punitive measures are effective deterrents for heavy vehicle drivers.
Mr Zulkifi said 2,215 summonses were issued in the first 9 months of 2008 to heavy vehicle drivers, more than double the 898 summonses issued in the same period in 2007.
He also highlighted that a review is currently on-going to look into raising the composition amounts for heavy vehicle drivers who flout traffic rules.
However, he also said that a comprehensive public education and engagement programme is equally important.
TP has been constantly engaging the heavy vehicle transport industry, including both fleet owners and their drivers - a "Heavy Vehicle Driver Safety Programme" was launched in 2008 to promote awareness.
Road safety is not the sole responsibility of TP, said Mr Zulkifi.
"Everyone has a part to play.""Heavy vehicle drivers need to recognise the enormous responsibility associated with driving their vehicles and exercise extra caution while on the roads."
He said, "Heavy vehicle owners also have to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers are properly trained and equipped to drive in a safe and responsible manner."
via :
http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/Motorworld/Story/A1Story20090123-116697.html------------------------
still the same mantra.
SLOW DOWN.
STAY ALERT.
DRIVE SAFE.
z.
ps : have a good chinese new year. spend quality time with family n relative.
