KUALA LUMPUR – Tailgating has been identified as the leading cause of road accidents during the festive season in 2024, according to Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
Citing a study on accident trends during the period, he noted that other contributing factors included lack of awareness and carelessness, which often resulted in self-inflicted crashes.
“The third most common cause is failing to notice other vehicles or objects ahead or beside the vehicle,” he said after launching the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Op Selamat 24 Advocacy Programme on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Negligence when entering or exiting junctions, reckless overtaking, and sudden lane changes were also significant contributors to accidents, he added.
“Besides driver behaviour, vehicle technical issues and road conditions can also impact a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, leading to accidents,” he said.
Op Selamat 24, held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, will take place from March 29 to April 3, with Op Lancar running from March 23 to April 6 to ease traffic flow.
A total of 6,957 police personnel will be deployed for Op Selamat 24, comprising 871 officers and 6,086 rank-and-file personnel. JSPT has identified 25 accident-prone hotspots and 46 blackspots along major highways, with continuous monitoring to assist motorists in cases of vehicle breakdowns or emergencies.
Additionally, 407 hotspots and 76 blackspots have been mapped on federal, state, and municipal roads nationwide, he said.
The campaign will retain its theme, ‘Rumah Selamat, Selamat Sampai Ke Destinasi,’ with an enforcement-first approach to educate motorists on responsible driving.
Op Lancar, on the other hand, will focus on ensuring smooth traffic flow during the festive season. Officers will monitor congestion on highways and major roads, supported by aerial surveillance from the Royal Malaysia Police Air Operations Force due to the anticipated surge in vehicles.
“The JSPT will also conduct road safety awareness campaigns through advocacy programmes, community engagements, and public service announcements via mass media,” he added.
Mohd Yusri urged motorists travelling for Hari Raya to comply with traffic regulations and heed instructions from on-duty officers.
“Drivers must ensure their vehicles are in safe condition and get sufficient rest before embarking on long journeys,” he said.
Meanwhile, over 500 express buses were inspected as part of the Pre-Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 Special Operations (HRA) held from March 17 until today.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the inspections focused on technical aspects of public service vehicles at bus terminals and depots nationwide.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) initiated the operation ahead of HRA 2025, which will officially commence tomorrow and run until April 8.
“This pre-operation involves inspecting public service vehicles (buses), focusing on technical aspects such as engine condition, tyres, and braking systems at terminals and depots nationwide.
“Through this operation, JPJ identified 11 buses as unfit for the road, and immediate prohibition notices were issued,” he told reporters at the Santuni Madani Programme and a breaking fast event with community leaders in Taman Kampung Panchor, Seremban.
JPJ also issued inspection slips for buses that met safety standards and had undergone proper maintenance, he added.
Loke also announced that 2,500 JPJ personnel would be deployed during the festive season, particularly at accident hotspots. – March 23, 2025