Recent viral videos of road accidents serve as chilling reminders of the importance of safety for all road users—drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Video screengrabs
Tragedies like these highlight the devastating consequences of negligence, poor judgment, or even unforeseen events.
One video shows a motorcyclist riding dangerously close to a large vehicle, with a child in tow, in the vehicle’s blind spot. Despite the lorry’s multiple mirrors designed to enhance visibility, blind spots can still remain a significant risk.
Another video shows a pedestrian jaywalking while engrossed in her phone, resulting in a severe collision in Singapore.
One of the most heartbreaking incidents involved 21-year-old Ms. Lee Zi Rou, who died in Penang, Malaysia, after a cargo container toppled off a lorry and crushed her car. Despite her injuries, Ms. Lee mustered the strength to call her mother before succumbing to her wounds.
These incidents emphasize that road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring attention and care from everyone:
For Drivers
Stay Clear of Heavy Vehicles: Avoid driving alongside or too close to trucks or lorries, especially at intersections or on sharp turns, where they are prone to instability.
Be Vigilant at Traffic Lights: Always be prepared for unexpected movements by nearby vehicles, particularly heavy ones carrying loads.
Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to vehicles’ behavior, especially signs of instability or speeding, and adjust your position accordingly.
For Motorcyclists
Avoid Blind Spots: Large vehicles have limited visibility despite multiple mirrors. Stay out of these zones, especially when traveling with vulnerable passengers like children.
Be Predictable: Avoid lane splitting, use signals and maintain a safe distance from larger vehicles to give them ample time to react.
For Pedestrians
Avoid Distractions: Always stay alert when crossing roads; put your phone away and focus on traffic.
Use Designated Crossings: Jaywalking not only endangers you but also other road users who may not have time to react.
These videos are tragic reminders that even a moment of negligence can have devastating consequences. Road safety is a collective effort that demands constant attention and care from everyone. Let’s all do our part to create safer roads for ourselves and others.
Stay safe. Stay aware. Save lives.
