Reevaluate design and location of motorcycle rain shelters to improve rider safety, says Miros chairman

Following the recent accident where a car slammed into some motorcycles taking shelter from the rain under an overpass at kilometer 258 of the North-South highway near the Port Dickson exit, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has asked for the authorities and highway concessionaries to reevaluate the design and location of rain shelters for motorcyclists to ensure their safety.

According to MIROS chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, motorcycle shelters should be located in bright areas and clearly illuminated. Additionally, view of the shelter should not be obscured from other road users.

“Rain shelters should not be located at corners to avoid vehicles colliding with riders or motorcycles. At the same time, shelters should have enough space and be equipped with barriers to protect riders and their bikes,” said Lee, reports Berita Harian.

Reevaluate design and location of motorcycle rain shelters to improve rider safety, says Miros chairman

Lee said riders and pillions should ensure they are visible to other road users, especially when it is raining. Lee said wearing high-visibility raincoats or with reflectors will increase visibility, as well as taking shelter in appropriate shelters designated for motorcycles.

“According to Article 53 in the Road Traffic Act 1959, no vehicle shall be stopped or use the emergency lane, or road shoulder, except police, JPJ, ambulance, Fire and Rescue Department, Customs Department and Prisons Department vehicles,” said Lee. “They should stop at the R&R, lay-bys or rain shelters as this will protect them against being hit by other vehicles especially when visibility is limited and the road is slippery during rain,” he continued.

Lee said the Works Department (JKR) had previously instructed all highway concessionaires to provide rain shelters for motorcyclists on highways under their purview. MIROS and the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) had previously raised this issue after finding that several highways and road were not conducive to motorcycles, placing riders at risk.