KUALA LUMPUR: Experts are calling for new solutions to improve pedestrian safety.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said there was a tendency to prioritise vehicles over pedestrians.

"Besides, urban congestion fosters impatience and aggressive driving, leading to a disregard for pedestrian safety.

"We have inadequate enforcement, where traffic laws are not consistently enforced and penalties for violations are insufficient," he said.

He said the government should draw inspiration from initiatives worldwide, such as Sweden's Vision Zero.

"It incorporates road safety into transportation planning and uses data to target high-risk areas."

Vision Zero aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries by designing a road system that prioritises safety and accounts for human errors, such as improved infrastructure, reduced speed limits for vehicles, enhanced enforcement and education.

"Tokyo has developed pedestrian paths and enforces strict construction site regulations."

Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua agreed that Malaysia should learn from efforts made by other countries.

"In Europe, pedestrian zones, traffic calming and speed limitations near pedestrian crossings are prioritised. "

Pedestrian zones are similar to vehicle-free zones in Malaysia. Traffic calming is a set of strategies to reduce vehicle speeds, including installing speed bumps, raised crosswalks and changes in road design like having a roundabout.

Law said: "Australia's Safe System reduces pedestrian deaths by improving road design, vehicle safety and speed regulation."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1083637/experts-study-traffic-safety-initiatives-other-countries