Action to be taken on reckless motorists who inadvertently cause collisions

KUALA LUMPUR: Reckless drivers who endanger the safety of other motorists and inadvertently cause road accidents will see action taken against them even if they are not directly involved in a mishap.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said today that traffic police will train its focus on reprimanding such drivers soon.
"These are motorists who drive dangerously, zig-zagging in traffic and causing collisions between other vehicles as a result. Though these drivers are not involved in the accident, their reckless and inconsiderate attitude endangers other road users. We are going after these drivers and hope to trace them with the help of public closed-circuit cameras and other means. Such drivers must face stern action." he told a press conference today.
He said police were considering drastic and stern action against irresponsible motorists to lower the high rate of road accidents and fatalities in the country.
"Malaysia could be considered to be in the top 10 of countries with the highest number of accidents. Stern action and costly fines may help. In Europe, if one fails to use safety belts, the fine is 300 euros. This has helped in enforcing the law. We have put our suggestions and future initiatives to the Home Ministry for discussion." he said today after handing out awards to 15 defensive drivers in conjunction with Ops Selamat 7 in a ceremony at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Bandar Tasik Selatan, Cheras.
Noor Rashid said compared to last year's Hari Raya operation when there were 18,484 accidents, Ops Selamat 7 saw a 10.7% rise in road accidents this year to 20,458.
He said 330 people perished, raising the fatality statistics by 39.2% compared to last year.
He said motorcyclists made up 200 deaths or 60.6% of the total.
Police issued 145,066 summonses, with over 90% of it being for speeding during the two-week long operation.
Noor Rashid said as for house-breakins and theft during the Hari Raya operation, a rise of less than 1% was seen.