WRITING AN ACADEMIC ESSAY: THE BEST WAYS TO REDUCE

ACCIDENT RATES AMONG MALAYSIA ROAD USERS

Name: Ngui Kai Yu (Crystal)
IC Number: 020514-12-0068

Half of a million of Malaysians died because of road accidents. The fact that Malaysia
is the country with the highest accidents rate in the Asia is indeed worrying. We cannot
prevent the accidents from happening totally, but we can help to reduce the many accidents to
its minimum stage by taking the following several steps and ideas are suggested. There are
various ways of reducing rate of accidents such as giving penalties toward those who drunk
driving, stricter traffic law enforcement, installation of AES cameras at a traffic junction and
improved the road conditions.

Firstly, exceed speed limits, drink or distracted driving and failure to wear a seat belt
are still the leading causes of death and serious injury on Malaysian roads. Stricter traffic law
enforcement should be part of an integrated road safety policy and have been shown to lead
to rapid reductions in deaths and injuries when applying best practice. Clearly, excessive or
inappropriate speed is a speed primary factor in about one third of road deaths and an
aggravating factor in many more such as, drive slow in left lane and do not change lane
rapidly is isn’t emergency. Also, stricter penalty on drunk driving. Vehicle impoundment is a
legal process of placing into an impoundment lot or tow yard. The impounding agency can be
a police department. Moreover, automatic license revocation along with required jail appears
to be even more effective. If a driver driving while under the influence of alcohol. The law
enforcement officer will confiscate the metal license plate from the vehicle if a driver is
drunk driving.

Secondly, way to reduce accidents rates can also be through the installing AES
cameras at traffic junctions. Drivers will be more aware when the AES camera operate 24/7
day and night, in all weather conditions. Most drivers will drive more carefully knowing they
are being watched. Other than that, AES cameras can also be used to enforce against other
driving offenses in the future, such as crossing the double line, overloading, overtaking on the
left side of the road, restrictions on heavy vehicles entering the city and enforcement of bus
routes.
 Furthermore, accidents rate can also be reduced through the improvement of road
conditions. Proper construction of roads is important, if the roads are constructed with space
of pavement, bus bays, and smoother bends, chances for road accidents will be reduces.
Ditches are a chronic problem that spoils the roads. It should be immediately taken care of.
This will considerably reduce the accident rates and extra expenses on road repairs.
Nowadays road traffic systems and roadside design can significantly reduce injury in the
event of an accident. Roundabouts, for example, can reduce collisions by up to 40% and
serious injuries and fatalities by up to 90%. Other potential improvements are controlled
crossings pedestrians, rumble strips and adequate street lighting. Separating road users using
sidewalks, crosswalks for pedestrians, and separate traffic lanes are effective approaches to
improve the most vulnerable road user's safety.

Nevertheless, one of the least effective way approach to reduce accident rate on
Malaysian road is lowering the speed limit on highways, and the results reveal how low speed
limits affect traffic performance. For example, lane changing rate increases. Driver’s
behaviour model results showed that drivers who did sudden lane change are more likely to
be involved in traffic crashes with 2.53 times than others. Also, it causes unnecessary traffic
jam. For example, drivers driving in low speed and brakes slightly, and the ones behind it
brake just a bit more to avoid hitting it, with the braking eventually amplifying until it
produces a wave of stopped or slowed traffic. Similarly, slow driving may be dangerous as
speed. For example, when a slower driver makes his or her way in the left-most lane of a
multi-lane road, for example, other drivers may be forced to use the right lanes to pass. This
can lead to an increased accident risk.

In conclusion, there are a lot causes of road accidents. As a result, we need to prevent
road accidents to decrease the death rate. Approximately 1.35 million of people lose their
lives in road accidents each year. Drivers must be taught the value of life and how they can
safeguard it. Moreover, the government must pass more stringent laws for people who
disobey traffic rules. Government must fine people heavily or take strict action when found
guilty of breaking these laws. If the above measures supported by the people of Malaysia, I
am sure the amount of road accidents in Malaysia can be reduced effectively.