Workers Breaking Traffic Laws? Employers, It’s On You Too, Says Community Health Expert

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With road accidents and fatalities rising, a community health expert is calling on employers to ensure their workers do not violate traffic laws

Dr Kulanthayan KC Mani, a professor at Universiti Putra Malaysia's Department of Community Health, said employers have a significant role to play, as people tend to fear company rules more than government enforcement because they risk losing their jobs.

"There's a win-win situation here. Safe workers mean fewer absences and lower medical costs for employers.

"I suggest that employers set a vision of zero accidents or zero traffic summonses among employees. If achieved, workers should be rewarded.

"This could start with a two-week period during festive seasons or even a full year without traffic offences.

"Rewards don't have to be financial; they could include extra leave," he said.

Last year, a total of 6,537 deaths were recorded on the roads, mostly involving motorists, including 4,340 among drivers and riders.

This translates to roughly one death every 80 minutes.

He was speaking at a road safety forum organised by the Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) yesterday, 12 March.

He said it is unfair to leave the entire enforcement burden on authorities.

He said enforcers should be the last line of defence, while the primary responsibility lies with individuals and their families.

"If I don't use my phone while driving, I am safer, that benefit is for myself. So why should safe practices only be about following rules?

"Secondly, where is family enforcement? For example, parents should prevent their children from using mobile phones while driving.

"If all parties play their role, the enforcement burden is filtered, and only what remains reaches the authorities," he said, noting that the authorities are limited in number and cannot police everyone.