KUALA LUMPUR: City Hall (DBKL) is considering putting in more speed humps and zebra crossings near schools to curb accidents involving schoolchildren.
“We are aware that many accidents are taking place near schools. DBKL will install more zebra crossings to keep students safe,” said Road Transport Department engineer Amirul Amran, who spoke on behalf of DBKL, at the end of a school crossing patrols training session today.
“We are also considering adding more speed humps in housing areas near schools to reduce vehicle speeds.
“Vehicles travelling at high speeds are a danger to students.”
Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department training unit officer Sarjan Ismail Osman said pedestrians were the third largest group involved in fatal traffic accidents after motorcycles and cars.
“In 2006 alone, 595 pedestrians were involved in fatal crashes. The accidents were due to the behaviour of drivers.
“Students need to be monitored more as they are young and unable to detect danger while crossing the roads,” he said.
Federal Territory Road Safety Department director Azharul Izwan Puaadi said the government had introduced initiatives to reduce fatal accidents near schools.
“The government has conducted campaigns at the school level to boost awareness on the importance of safety while crossing roads among students,” he said.
“By next year, a new road safety module will be introduced to all primary schools. All secondary schools will introduce the same module in 2020.”
The school crossing patrols training session was held to teach teachers and security guards the correct, safe and effective procedures for carrying out the task of student safety patroller.
