PETALING JAYA: A road safety expert has called on the government to launch a ‘safe racing’ program to crack down on carpetbaggers who weave in and out of traffic at high speeds while performing tricks and endangering others.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said such a program should include racing at designated locations to encourage carpet racers to join them instead of racing on public roads.
In an operation on August 4 along the Butterworth Outer Ring Road near Bagan Ajam R&R, mat rempits were spotted driving dangerously between 5pm and midnight.
A total of 67 of the trips who drove their machines against the flow of traffic to avoid the roadblock were inspected and 48 of their machines were convicted of various offenses under Section 64(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1987.
“Public roads and highways are not designed for racing. Miros is increasingly concerned that these carpet racers not only compete on public roads, but also test the speed and durability of their machines.
He said such behavior is dangerous to himself and other road users, especially motorists and pedestrians, and that more enforcement measures are needed to control the situation.
“The race should be run on specially designed tracks. If the government starts a special racing program, such activities on public roads and highways can be controlled if not stopped and we can minimize the risk of traffic accidents.
Wong also urged parents to monitor their children’s activities and not let them race on public roads as it will harm them and others.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said recently that in 2023, an average of 12 motorcyclists would die on public roads every day, which was about 75% of all traffic accidents.
He said based on statistics from the Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department, Malaysia would record 600,000 motorcycle accidents in 2023, with an average of 1,644 incidents daily, of which 17 were fatal.
“Based on these statistics, parents should warn their children against dangerous riding, as it puts the life of the rider and their entire family at risk in the event of a crash.
“Furthermore, when reckless riders engage in dangerous behavior such as stunts on their motorcycles, they share videos on social media to raise awareness. This should also stop as they set a bad example for others who may also do the same,” Wong said.
Pharmaceutical clerk Rosmani Sulong, 49, told TheSun that she was worried about her other son Haziq Aqleef Ghazal, 21, who was actively involved in carpet operations.
“As a mother, I have always advised him to stop racing on public roads. I’m always anxious at night when he comes back late. I can’t sleep and imagine getting late night phone calls saying he’s been in a traffic accident.
Rosmani said after talking with her son, she realized he has a passion for racing and feels it helps him release stress.
Businesswoman Farhana Omar, 31, said that as a motorist, she is always nervous when driving on public roads because motorcyclists often weave in and out of traffic seemingly without the slightest care.
“I have had my left wing mirror damaged many times due to their reckless and irresponsible driving habits. It’s not cheap to replace, but motorcyclists get away scot-free because they don’t even stop when things like this happen.
“I hope the authorities take action against these carpetbaggers and other errant riders who are no better at how dangerously they ride their machines. I also don’t understand why motorcyclists ride on motorways instead of their own motorcycle lanes and no action is taken against them.
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