Road accidents mainly caused by human error, study reveals

KUALA LUMPUR: A large number of accidents were attributed to human error while the rest is the result of road and vehicle conditions.
“Over the past 10 years, motorcyclists have by far been the highest casualties, with a total of 39, 744 deaths,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pix).
“Studies by the Malaysian Institute Road Safety Research (MIROS) tell us that 80.6% of such accidents were attributed to human error while only 19.4% were the result of road and vehicle conditions,” said Liow.
“These are worrying trends and it is very troubling to see the people continue to be negligent,” added Liow.
He said reckless driving, speeding, inattentive and driving under the influence of alcohol or driving when feeling tired are the main cause for accidents.
“Such irresponsible actions can and must be avoided by motorists,” said Liow.
Liow launched the “Safe Steps” Road Safety campaign organised by Prudence Foundation, together with National Geographic Channel and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.
The programme aimed to raise awareness on the road accidents and provide information through educational messages on road safety.
Liow, in his speech, stated the number of accidents in 2015 was 489,606 compared to 476, 196 accident in 2014. Of these, death toll rates caused by accidents have increased to 6,706 in 2015.
He said this translates to roughly 18 deaths a day from road accidents alone. At the event, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, who is the campaign ambassador attended with FIA president, Datuk Seri Jean Todt.
Michelle advised people to follow simple steps such as, not to "drink and drive", always wear safety belt in the front and the passenger seat at the back.
“Simple steps, Safe steps,” quipped Michelle.