Road safety advocate calls for Vision Zero adoption in Malaysia as road crashes claim 18 lives daily, with speeding causing 80% of fatalities
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must urgently adopt the ‘Vision Zero’ philosophy to prevent road deaths and serious injuries, according to Alliance for a Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Speaking in conjunction with World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Lee emphasized that every life lost on the road represents an irreplaceable loss to families and communities.
“This year’s theme, ‘Lost Talents’ underscores the broader societal impact of road fatalities, where the loss of life also means a loss of potential, ideas and contributions,” he said in a statement.
Road crashes remain a major public health challenge that disproportionately affects younger generations, with teens and young adults accounting for a higher percentage of fatalities.
World Health Organisation statistics show 1.19 million people die annually from road accidents globally, making road injuries the leading cause of death for those aged 5 to 29.
More than half of these deaths involve vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Malaysia recorded approximately 600,000 road crashes in 2023, resulting in 6,443 deaths averaging 18 fatalities per day.
Speeding contributed to 80% of fatal crashes in the country.
Lee emphasized that road crashes are preventable and often arise from human error, unsafe road designs, poor enforcement and irresponsible behavior.
Achieving Vision Zero requires a fundamental mindset shift where safety becomes the foundation of every decision from road design to enforcement.
He urged government agencies, enforcement bodies, road safety experts, private sector players and civil society to strengthen policies and enforce traffic laws.
“Let us pledge to make our roads safe for everyone – pedestrians, motorcyclists, passengers, and drivers – and work towards Vision Zero: zero deaths, zero excuse,” Lee concluded. – Bernama
