Nation Suffered RM7.8 Billion In Losses in 2008

From Bernama:-

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia suffered losses amounting to RM7.8 billion which is equivalent to 1.5 per cent of GDP due road accidents including fatal ones in 2008, according to studies done by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS).

Image via WikipediaAhmad Farhan said, according to Bukit Aman statistics, from January till November, 5,753 fatal accidents were recorded, 2,464 involving motorcycles, cars (1,428), lorries (559), four-wheel drives (231), vans (190), buses (121), taxis (74), other vehicles (178), bicycles (114) and pedestrians (370).

Their causes among others were drivers carelessness (1,587 cases), cutting into opposite lane (856), trying to or changing direction (774), poor entering or exiting at interchanges (585), tailgating (337), obstructed view of vehicles of animals ahead (556), driving against traffic flow (161), making U turns (220) and failing to observe traffic lights (106).

Drowsiness (100), carelessness when reversing (62), racing (21), sudden stopping (18), drunk or under the influence of drugs (10), and others (340).

According to 2009 statistics, 6,745 people were killed on the roads compared to 6,527 in 2008, with 60 per cent of them being motorcyclists or pillion riders.

Other factors contributing to road fatalities cited were road conditions, vehicle conditions and the environment.

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