Accidents cost Malaysia RM9.3bil

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia is paying a heavy price due to road accidents, and the cost to the economy last year was about RM9.3bil, Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said.
“The massive loss was calculated taking into account various aspects, including insurance payout, medical costs and productivity loss due to permanent disability resulting from road accidents,” he said.
Once the road users, especially motorcyclists, changed their mindset and became more disciplined in road usage, the country could save the RM9bil which amounted to 1.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said at the safety and health campaign on roads and at the workplace organised by Proton Holdings Berhad at its headquarters here on Wednesday.
The event was launched by Proton Group Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.
Suret said his department had helped to reduce the road accident injury rate by 42% over the last five years.
“The department has also reduced the road accident fatality rate to 3.55% now compared with 4.3% five years ago,” he said, adding that 6,745 people died in road accidents last year.
He said many fatality and injury cases due to road accidents involved motorcyclists, and added that the figure could be reduced if motorcyclists followed traffic rules and fastened safety helmets properly.-Bernama

Malaysia : Road Accidents Statistic 2000-2006

Below here is the data from year 2000 to 2006:
Year     Population       Vehicle           Road            Road            Road
                                Registered     Accidents      Casualties     Deaths
2000    23263600    10598804     250429         50200         6035
2001    23795300    11302545     265175         50473         5849
2002    24526500    12068144     279711         49552         5891
2003    25048300    12868934     298653         52741         6286
2004    25580000    13828889     326815         54091         6228
2005    26130000    14816407     328264         47012         6200
2006    26640000    15790732     341252         35425         6287
By a quick look, number of road accidents and deaths increase steadily while road casualties (injured + death) fluctuates throughout year 2000 to 2006. However, in order to make the data such as road accidents or road deaths more meaningful and comparative, the data will be normalized against: a) Malaysia population for that year of occurence, b) Total number of vehicle registered. The normalization of these data is shown in the 2 graphs as below:
a) Normalization by population:

From the graph, the number of road accidents per 1000 population increase steadily from 10.8 cases in year 2000 to 12.8 cases, an 18.5% increase. On the other hand, the road casualties per 1000 pop. decreases from 2.16 casualties (2000) to 1.33 casualties (2006). The same downward trend is also seen on road deaths per 100 000 pop.: year 2000 recorded 25.9 road deaths for every 100 000 population and seeing a small decrease to 23.6 deaths per 100 000 pop. in year 2006. Although the road deaths is seeing a decrement over the years, it is also remindful to compare it to OECD countries like here: apparently the road deaths in Malaysia decreasing slowly, but it is not good enough. The closest country which has the same traffic accident fatalities like Malaysia is Greece, by the number 14.6 persons per 100 000 pop.
b) Normalization by vehicle registered:

An increment in overall population does not neccesarily mean there will be more vehicle ownership. However for Malaysia case, vehicle ownership (per 1000 pop.) increase steadily from 492 (2000) to 593 (2006): there are more and more people owning the vehicle. From the graph above, we are seeing the number of road accidents per 1000 vehicles decrease over the years: 56.9 accidents to 39.8 accidents per 1000 vehicle. By superficial look, I am tempted to say that an increase in road vehicle does not neccessarily increase the likelihood of more death caused by road accidents. Another side evidence also pointing into the same direction: the number of registered vehicle increase from 10.6 millions to 15.8 million (2000 to 2006, equivalent to 48.99%) while number of deaths shows small increment – 6035 to 6287 deaths in 206 (+4.18%).

Teenager Car Accident Statistics – What You, As a Parent, Must Know

Teenager car accident statistics are frightening. It is no surprise that parents are often a nervous wreck when the time comes for their teen to get their driver’s license. The statistics show some very devastating trends involving teen drivers. By looking at the statistics, a parent and others involved with teen drivers can more easily see what they need to do to prevent further teen car accidents.
Basic National Statistics
There are plenty of statistics that point to the dangers of teen driving. In the category of teen drivers are those between the ages of 15 and 20. In 2004, over 7,000 teenagers were killed in car accidents. These teen drivers accounted for almost 13 percent of all drivers in fatal car accidents in 2006.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that the cost of teenager car accidents is over $40 billion a year.
During the first 500 miles that a teenager drives, crashes are 10 times more likely than for an adult driver. Teen drivers make up about 7 percent of licensed drivers, but they account for 14 percent of the fatalities in accidents. Of teen driver deaths, over 50 percent occur on the weekend. Motor vehicle death is the number one cause of death for teenagers.
What Has Been Learned
From statistics much helpful information has been learned that can be used to prevent future teenager car accidents. For instance, since it has been shown that newly licensed drivers of age 16 are the group that has the highest accident rate, many states have started a graduated licensing program. These programs require a variety of different steps of learning and training that must be completed before a driver is fully licensed. Graduated drivers license programs have helped to lower teenage car accident rates by almost 7 % from the time between 1995 to 2005.
Other statistics have helped increase the knowledge of the importance of education for teen drivers about issues regarding seat belts and drinking and driving. The statistics show that two-thirds of teenage fatalities in car accidents were not wearing a seat belt. Additionally one-third of teen accidents involved alcohol. With increased education about wearing seat belts and drinking and driving there is hope of lowering those numbers.
There are other statistics that have been able to give insight into what makes teen drivers so prone to car accidents. The Allstate Foundation did a survey in 2005 and found that half of teen drivers use their cell phone while driving. Cell phones have been shown to be very distracting to a driver and has been named as a leading cause of car accidents. This survey also found that speeding is prominent among teen drivers.
The results of this survey and the other statistics show that parents and educators need to be more strict in what they teach teen drivers. Teen drivers need to be alerted tot he risks of distracted driving and the risks of speeding. There needs to be an increase of education and more standards in place to assure that teen drivers stop making the same mistakes that have lead to teenager car accidents.

6 Main Causes Of Accidents In Malaysia

he Chinese have many beliefs. It is believed mankind at birth has to go through the hands of a “Registrar of Births”. Likewise, upon a person’s demise, he has to pass through the hands of the “Registrar of Deaths”.
Once, a driver was late for his appointment, very late in fact, in his anxiety to reach his scheduled appointment, unfortunately he met an accident and died. When his soul reached the “Registrar of Deaths”, the Registrar commented “this man is reporting to me 85 years too early. He should be reporting only in 2085, not now”.
The “maxim” of this story is simply this. It is better to be late 5 minutes in this world, than to be reporting 85 years too early in the next world.
My English teachers related this story to me when I was in lower secondary classes. Until today, the story remains vividly in my mind.
Next, lets move on to the topic of today, which is about the 6 main causes of accidents in Malaysia.

1) The driver.

Drivers can end up being the main cause. Those who are tired, sleepy and feeling emotional should in fact not be driving at all. Likewise, those who have consumed alcohol and drugs should also abstain from driving as well.
Those on medication shouldn’t drive also. Drivers should refrain from overtaking at dangerous places. Try to be patient and understanding while driving.
And finally, attempt to follow road rules and regulations always.

2) Condition of the roads.

Road conditions contribute a great deal towards causing accidents. How fast we drive should commensurate with road conditions.
Reduce speed if it’s raining and roads are slippery. Raining also causes “hydroplaning”, which is extremely dangerous.
Tyre conditions and brakes play a major role in determining how fast we should drive in the rain.

3) Condition of the car.

Another factor which can cause accidents is the condition of the car itself. The brakes, lights, signals lights and horn all have to be checked, not forgetting tyre and wipers too. Ensure also that seat belts are worn too.

4) The weather condition.

Rain and sometimes heavy fog and dew, especially during early morning and late evening have been reported as being causes for many accidents. Try coming down in the middle of the night from Genting Highlands Resort and you’ll surely know what I mean.

5) Strong light reflections.

Reflections from the sun and head lights from on coming cars have been reported as being causes of many accidents. The latest white and blinding headlights now currently being used by many vehicles, is yet another source of accidents.

6) The traffic.

When roads are congested, more accidents tend to happen. Rush hours, like early mornings, lunch hours and dismissal times are most likely for accidents to happen.
So be extra careful during these times. Accidents tend to happen in places such as schools, factory areas and shopping centres too.
While going back for Raya celebration, Deepavali, Chinese New Year and Christmas celebrations, traffic is extremely heavy and congested. Be careful and you should have no problem reaching home safely!

Road accident kills 12, injures 73 in Malaysia

A road accident that happened on the North-South Expressway connecting the northern and southern parts of Peninsula Malaysia killed at least 12 people and injured 73 others on Sunday, Xinhua reported.

According to several members of the rescue team, the tragedy took place at about 6:45 p.m. local time, causing massive jam on the road.

The actual scene was located near the Rembau district in Negeri Sembilan, a state in the central part of west coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

A total of twelve ambulances were dispatched to the scene, bringing the dead and the injured to three different hospitals in the states of Negeri Sembilan and Malacca in the southern part of the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

Mohd Khalil Yaakob, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, or Governor, of the state of Malacca, Malacca State police chief and state assembly speaker visited the injured victims at the Malacca Hospital late Sunday night.

A coordinator briefed the state leaders that a total of 85 people were affected in the accident. While 12 had died, the rest suffered different levels of injuries, added the coordinator.

He also said that of the 11 victims admitted into the Malacca Hospital, four were in serious condition, including a pregnant mother.

Police told reporters that an express bus belonging to the Malaysian Welfare Department, three cars and a van were involved in the accident.

The police also said that the identities of the victims were not immediately known.

When met at a hospital here, some rescue team members told reporters that the bumper-to-bumper congestion had obstructed the way of several ambulances rushing to the scene.

They said that by looking at the vehicles' conditions involved in the accident, it was believed that the bus ferrying tens of passengers had lost control on the highway and rammed into the divider.

The strong collision forced the bus into the opposite lanes, causing it to plough with four other vehicles.

However, the police were investigating if the accident was due to the reckless driving by the bus driver, or the technical and engine faults of the vehicle, said the rescuers.

A spokesman from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department said that the bus collided with a car and overturned after hitting another bus.

The driver of the car trapped under the bus that turned turtle died on the spot, while another van, trying to avoid the express bus, crashed into a car, killing also the van driver immediately

Major Causes of Road Accidents

There is nothing new about road accidents. During the recent festive holidays in Malaysia, the 3 main causes of road accidents have been pin-pointed. The 3 causes will be discussed in detail below.
The first major cause is sleepy drivers. Drivers who are driving on a long distance trip tend to fall asleep when driving. The long driving hours would most certainly take a toll on the driver's concentration while on the road.
To avoid accidents due to this cause, drivers should plan several short stops during the long trip. Make regular stops for either a caffeine boost or short naps to keep concentration at a high.
During this time of the year, heavy downpours are to be expected. During a heavy rain, a driver's range of visibility is greatly reduced. Whenever the vehicle in front makes an emergency brake, drivers should be able to react in time.
Due to the rain, the driver behind might not be able to notice and react accordingly. Therefore, rivers should reduce speed and take caution to avoid such accidents especially when driving in a heavy rain.
No matter often we've been told to drive safely, there are errant drivers out there who seem to always be in a rush. Though the speed limit is set at 110km/h, these drivers could be seen speeding at speeds higher than permitted. No amount of summonses could keep these drivers at bay, endangering other drivers on the road.
Drivers should avoid these major causes of road accident and learn to appreciate life.

Where And How Do Accidents Happen And How To Avoid Them

Malaysia is reputed to possess one of the best road systems in the world. But unfortunately, it is also believed that it also has one of the highest rate of accidents.
China, followed very closely by India, holds the top 2 positions for accidents. Malaysia, with a population of only some 25 – 30 million people, including Sabah and Sarawak, has a “death” rate, which averages 7,500 people per year.
Surprisingly, the United States of America, with a population of some 50 million, is reported to have only a death rate only 300 per year.
Every festive occasion, like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Deepavali, Christmas including New Year, Malaysians especially are very fond of going back to their kampungs or better known as “balik kampung”.
In such massive exodus of drivers back to their home towns, we see thousand of drivers and their families trying their best to reach home as quickly and safely they can.
The government, on its part, realise that it is at this time, that many accidents take place. “Op Sikap Campaigns” or Safety Operation Campaigns are conducted during such festive periods.
Unfortunately, to state, although much money and time is spent, the result achieved is not too encouraging.
Today’s article, attempts to touch upon the topic of how accidents happen and ideally how to avoid them.
Amongst the familiar places where accidents tend to take place are:

1) At junctions.

“T” and cross junction are notorious places of accidents. Stop ideally 2 meters behind the “stop line”.
Drivers are advised to look right. Then look left, then right again, before proceeding.
In coming vehicles obviously have the right of way first. If a stream of cars should be coming continuously ahead of us, then we have to perform the same procedure of looking right, then left and finally looking right again without fail.
By following the above tedious practice, it is eventually hoped we can avoid accidents.

2) Knocking or crashing into vehicles ahead of us.

This is the most frequent mistake a driver makes. The mistake obviously is following too close. Defensive mode of driving, a concept of Australian driving, which the Malaysian authorities are supposedly meant to adopt, suggests a driver ideally follow the “2 seconds” rule.
Anyone hitting a vehicle in front of him is at fault. So, dear readers, do not follow a vehicle too close! Unless you are as good as Formula One driver Jenson Button Or Michael Schumacher, the advise again is, stay away from the vehicle in front of you.

3) Getting hit or knocked into by a vehicle behind you.

Yes, getting crashed into by a vehicle is the other driver’s fault. But, it could also be yours too!
How is this possible, you may ask?
Not looking at side or rear mirrors, not using your indicators or signals, stopping suddenly are but some common mistakes made by most drivers.
If you should wish to stop, I suggest you should ideally wind down your window and do the “hand waving” manual signal which is safer.
By doing this, the driver behind will hopefully be better aware of your intention to stop.

4) Crashing into a vehicle on the opposite side of a highway.

The most disastrous type of all accidents is supposed to be a “head on” crash accident!
A science teacher once told us, should one car traveling at 70 km/h were to hit another car traveling at the same speed, the total impact upon collision would be 140 km/h!
Have you ever heard or read of incidents whereby a vehicle from the left side of a highway crashed across the divider, out of control and crashing into vehicles approaching from the right side on the opposite lane?
Such hypothetical accidents can actually happen.
When the Federal Highway, from Klang to Kuala Lumpur, which stretched approximately 24 miles was being built way back in 1957 (I was about 12 then), the road engineers, Gammon Long, a well renowned British engineering company did in fact build an “earth divider”, triangular in shape, with a base of 4 feet and about 3 feet high, stretching the entire highway measuring 24 miles.
The engineers believed this structure, would prevent any vehicle going out of control and at a speed of 80 – 90 km/h along the highway, would eventually ascend up the divider, overturn or “flip” back to its own left side, thus avoiding or crashing over to the opposite right, thereby avoiding a disastrous accident from happening.
Over the years, our engineers from the Public Works Department, people responsible for our road safety, have since removed the above mentioned structure. They have replaced it with decorative plants and lights and buntings and flags instead.
Why are such triangular shaped earth dividers no longer incorporated into our highways and expressways today? Can a road engineer provide an answer to the above? Or the authorities maybe.
This short article has concentrated on how accidents can happen and the ways to avoid them. Hopefully, it would contribute towards drivers driving in a safer manner and thereby causing fewer accidents.