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5th September, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday launched the integrated road safety campaign in conjunction with Aidilfitri, and advised road users to watch their speed, exercise patience and be alert at all times.
He said road accidents cost the economy RM9 billion last year in terms of loss of lives and injury.
“The sum does not take into account the trauma and depression faced by the families of those killed on the roads,” he said when launching the campaign at the Sentral Station, here.
Muhyiddin said 60 per cent of 6,745 people who died in road accidents last year were motorcyclists and pillion riders.
Advising road users to watch their speed, exercise patience and be alert at all times, he said: “Driving too fast can cause one to lose control of the vehicle, and an accident can result in loss of lives, not only of oneself and one’s passengers but of other road users as well.”
He said motorists and motorcyclists should exercise patience on the road, more so during festive seasons when traffic was heavier.
“Exercise patience when wanting to overtake a vehicle, and overtake only when it is really safe. Do not overtake where it is prohibited to do so and also in a dangerous manner. A head-on collision can have serious consequences,” he said.
Muhyiddin also advised motorists to be alert at all times and to have sufficient rest before starting a journey.
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