MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research) stated that 1,949 motorcycle-related deaths were reported in the span of eight months (March to November) during the MCO (Movement Control Order) period. This is 68% of all road deaths and they’re looking into building more motorcycle lanes to combat this worrying situation.
A total of 101 roads around Perak, Selangor, and Johor are currently being proposed to include dedicated motorcycle lanes. MIROS, Road Safety Department, and Ministry of Transport are currently setting it up under the 12th Malaysia Plan to reduce the number of road deaths.
According to the chairman of MIROS, Datuk Suret Singh, “Motorcycle lanes have been proven to reduce the number of motorcyclist deaths by 95%. Some 65% of deaths in the last few years are motorcyclists in this category and the trend continues unabated. Having motorcycle lanes can save the lives of about 1,000 riders a year.”
He also added that this plan to reduce road fatalities can be further amplified with the addition of good infrastructure, maintenance, and motorcycle-friendly roadside barriers. While the numbers of road deaths have been steadily decreasing, the huge drop in cases for 2020 is largely related to the MCO.
With fewer vehicles on the road, it’s probably the best time for the authorities to look into the current state of all major roads here in Malaysia, including the ones that already have motorcycle lanes like the Federal Highway. Things like the weather should also be taken into high consideration as these dedicated lanes can be easily flooded, which gives motorcyclists no other choice but to ride on the main roads.
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