Reckless driving, exhaustion, damaged roads reasons behind fatalities on East Coast Expressway Phase 2

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.

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Black Dog on Jul 02, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    ‘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.’

    Can he explain why it always occurs on certain stretches if its not due to the road condition? He’s saying that motorist only speed along that stretch? Can’t they improve on the safety?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • peaceaim on Jul 02, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      i commute between ajil and bukit besi every weekdays. All accidents that i encountered (at average once a week) mostly involved one vehicle veered off and crash onto guardrail on a straight stretch of the highway. Usually not involved other vehicle. So what can you conclude from that. Driver fatigue is only culprit to blame.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Annoynimouse on Jul 02, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Mostly, its carelessness and the thought that it’s not going to happen to me… It’s a sad reality but many Malaysians truly are bad drivers and often innocent people die.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • hahaha on Jul 02, 2015 at 6:24 pm

      Malaysians should not underestimate the significance of bad/damaged roads. We don’t realize how dangerous some road design actually are. Highways with 90 degree turns, lanes which are not of standard widths, pot holes, illegal speed bumps to name a few.
      It has always been swept under the carpet because the people responsible for them are the authorities. Much easier to blame the Rakyat.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • LPT2 user on Jul 02, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    First, u need to govern the over speedy motoring, as this is first major 4 lanes highway in the state and yet its toll free, further more lack of sign of polis petrol, 99% of users tend to over speed.. like some one had said before it’s Autobahn in malaysia, when i drive 110km/h on left lane can feel like i’m driving like 50km/h when those big exhaust wira, lorry and express bus over take me..every time i used this H/w, i can see numbers of modify proton/honda stall at the road side, think this is their racing test track.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Compare the statistic with any other highways in Semenanjung and you can conclude that the main cause is the road condition or design.

    The faster you admit it the sooner the remedial step can be proposed…and more live can be saved.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 7
  • Same L0rrrr on Jul 02, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    Lack of airbags and VSC won’t kill but the driving attitude!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
    • sama lollll on Jul 02, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      hahahah…that why toyota cars in malaysia dont need safety that safety features rite????? pity engineers who develop that safety features…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Typical malaysian public servant never admit what the real problem, as i used to work in terengganu for the last 7 years . It a common the knowledge the highway are not very smooth and a hazard to motorist.The highway were product of malaysia corruption that bite its own citizen, i am not promoting politic here but its the truth and these guys need to accept it and deal with it. If you guy gonna use this highway during this festival season just please be cautios and always make sure two hand at the steering.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
  • Mc Kangkung on Jul 02, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    Is this even news???

    Most of the buses accidents are caused by such reasons. It is an open secret la!! Not to mentioned, drivers with drug abuse.

    BIG QUESTION: What will the authority gonna do, really??

    Study, survey, report, survey, study, go oversea trip, meeting, eat karipap/drink tea, etc (repeat same process for another year)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
 

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