in reply to Miss EasyDent blog...

I've heard of the news of the bus accident. Terrible news, saddened and it remind me of the highway occured some years back during Hari Raya holiday in Cegar Perah, Pahang. Two bus collided (i was on the same road passing the accident spot 45minute before the accident).

Why do these horrible accident occured? Our government and responsible Authorities will always blame the driver... classic case.

I've driven in Aussie, i've driven in Sri Lanka, in Singapore, in Thailand, in Dubai and of course in Malaysia. My roommate is French, originate from a province near to German Border, situated the fame no speed limit highway named Autobahn.

That highway system is so safe that a car can travel to wutever speed the driver want. And it's that safe.

Malaysia highway? Hmm well i was a frequent user of the PLUS highway, and it's in bad condition. Compare it to singapore highway (superb surface) and Dubai highway (no pothole!). And i'm too a frequent user of the trunk road connecting Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur, via Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis and Raub. Any of you used these road before will understand the state of our road. The driver really need to be good in handling the corner and chicane (and one hairpin-like corner in Merapoh). And these roads are dark, no light except for interchanges or town.

The attitude of a driver play a small but vital role in driving, but the more crucial aspect in safety is the machine we're driving and the tyre we're using and the condition of the road. All these factor are, no doubt, not within the driver's control while on the road.

The road.... i started driving since i was 15, and been driving for 16years already. In Malaysia, almost everyday i saw at least one pothole on the roads. On the highway, the surface of the pavement, too smooth (yes good for comfort), provide less grip and it's slippery when wet. And i really think the roads should be light up. Take Dubai for example, all road are as bright as in the day (okay, accident always happened here in Dubai sebab most of the driver is the bodoh nak mampus nyer type).

The machine... how many of us really car bout our car's tyre, suspension and breaking system? I think most will always go for cheaper price and ignore the quality. That's a factor which is within our control but will be out of control while we drive. Of course, good spareparts are expensive in Malaysia, since our salaries are sarcastic! And how many of the driver really car the bunga of the tayar?

The driver... Will you all agree if i said, none of the driver want to be involved in an accident? Before we hit the road, we always pray for safe journey. So all drivers want to be safe and doesn't want to be in an accident. Speed doesn't kill. Reckless driver, drunk driver, mobile phone user, changing cd, lit-up ciggy, one hand of stering wheel, and any other activities in a car will lead to loss concentration (even a second) and only then the accident might occur. But of course, these factors are not quantified, so it's easier to blame the speed. Take our driving school for example... all school use the super duper small kancil as training car, and all student are required to drive at 50kmh only ( i think) or maybe less.

The Government... yes there're aplenty campaign of safe driving and stuffs. But i belief our government should do more in tackling the road and machine issue. After all, we citizen elect the government.

As car technology progresses, drivers skills and attitudes too must developed. Don't be like drivers in Dubai.

Anyway, i doubt the accident count will go down ever. But to all reader, small thing we can do, be on our own campaign. Drive safely, respect others. If we can'r educate other people on safe driving, at least we can educate ourself..

Am i right?