Crash accident collision

The majority of accidents and fatalities on stretches of the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 can be attributed to reckless or exhausted drivers, trespassing animals and damaged, water-logged roads, according to the state police chief, deputy commissioner Datuk Rosli Abdul Rahman, in a report by the New Straits Times.

As for the hotspots, Rosli has stated that most of the fatal accidents tend to occur along KM 370 to 390 between Ajil and Bukit Besi from 12 to 4 pm. As for accidents, it was recorded that a vast majority occurred along KM 250 to 270 along the Jabor and Cheneh stretch from midnight to 6 am.

Since the opening of the expressway, a total of 1,657 accidents with 50 fatalities have been recorded along the 184 km-long stretch from Jabor to Gemuruh. The first five months of 2015 saw a total of 385 accidents with 16 fatalities along stretches that cut through Kemaman, Hulut Terengganu and Kuala Terengganu. Of the total, speeding was determined as the cause for 237 cases while 38 were the result of driver fatigue.

"The remaining percentage involved accidents following punctured tyres or ramming into cattle," he told reporters. He advised motorists to adhere to traffic laws at all times as well as refrain from stopping along emergency lanes unless it is absolutely necessary. "Get enough rest, sleep and meals before you travel. Also, take breaks when you are driving long distances to avoid fatigue," he added.

In order to help reduce the statistics, Rosli has confirmed that the police, along with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and Road Transport Department (JPJ), will be implementing several measures which include the deployment of more speed traps, securing highway perimeters to prevent animals from trespassing and applying additional chevron markings.

"We are also distributing pamphlets to animal farmers, motorists and the general public to create awareness on road safety. The relevant authorities are also repairing damaged perimeter fences, drainage, road signs, lightings and road surfaces to improve safety," he added. Also, he confirmed that the government will announce the firm responsible for setting up lay-bys for R&R at strategic points by September 15.