IT is sad that two more recent accidents on the North-South Expressway (NSE) claimed three lives. Almost all the accidents on the NSE are caused by stalled vehicles.

When vehicles break down, motorists have no choice but to leave them in the emergency lane until the rescue units arrive.

Many motorists drive on the expressway at breakneck speed. A slight distraction can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, endangering the lives of those in his vehicle as well as those around the stalled vehicle.

I suggest the construction of lay-bys at close intervals to serve as a safe place for stalled vehicles or where motorists can stop. The lay-bys need not be elaborate, just a small stretch away from the emergency lane, sufficient for one or two vehicles.

This will, no doubt, entail additional cost to the highway concessionaire but safety of the motoring public cannot be compromised.

S. SUNDARESONPetaling Jaya

Source: NST – January 2, 2008