IT is an undeniable fact that the number of road accidents and deaths due to such accidents, is on the rise. Many road safety experts and agencies blame it on road users’ attitudes.

No one has suggested that road and highway design may be a key factor in the occurrence of road accidents. This concept is not new; it is being applied in many developed countries and it may be time Malaysia followed suit.

The first principle in road and highway design is the surface must be rough. This provides a better grip for tyres and, thus, increases the stability of vehicles.

An uneven road surface leads to rainwater retention, even after a downpour. When a car travelling at a high speed passes through this retained water, its tyres will spin and cause a sudden reduction in speed. If the driver panics and hits the brakes, the vehicle will skid and, in some cases, may overturn.

To overcome this, highway concessionaires and the Public Works Department (PWD) must ensure highways are designed so that rainwater drains away quickly.

Another factor is the speed at which vehicles exit a main road or highway. If they are forced to reduce speed dramatically during the exit, this will cause traffic to pile up or, in some cases, cause accidents. It is possible for vehicles to exit a main road or highway at high speeds if the roads are properly designed.

Another cause of accidents is the lines on the roads being hardly visible, especially when it rains. One good example is the exit ramp from Lebuh-raya Damansara-Puchong to Lebuh-raya Puchong-Sungai Besi. The lines there are confusing. Constant repainting can ensure the visibility of the lines is maintained.

PIARAPAKARAN SUBRAMANIAM for Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – March 10, 2008