Children are often victims of many road traffic accidents (RTAs). They can be the pedestrians, passenger of a car or bus, or pillion rider. The severity of injuries sustained in RTAs varies. Motorcyclists and pillion riders were the commonest road users suffering from injuries and deaths in Malaysia.
Prevention
Everyone has a role in the prevention of these injuries. Practise good road safety culture.
Car
- Ensure that the car is in good condition – brakes, tyres, petrol and water.
- Put on the seat belts and use car seats for children from beginning to end of the journey. Never share seat belts.
- Seat belt must be properly placed with the lap belt across the hip bones and fit snugly across the chest.
- Children in rear facing seats should not be placed in the front seat of cars equipped with passenger-side air bags. This would cause injury to the child.
- Infant and children under 12 years old should always be placed in the back seat of the car. Infants should be in rear facing child safety seats in the back seat.
- Use child car lock system.
Pedestrian
- Never allow children under 10 years to cross the road alone.
- When possible use traffic signals, footpaths and crosswalks.
- Look left-right-left when crossing the street.
- Do not run across the road.
- Do not play in driveways or near roads
- When a pedestrian crossing, footbridge or subway is provided on any road, no person should cross such road within 100 metres proximity of such crossing footpath or subway.
- Walk on the right side of the road, facing traffic, if side walks are not provided so you can see oncoming cars.
- Wear or carry something light reflective at night to help drivers see you.
Passenger of a bus
- Wait (for the bus) away from the road.
- Wait till the bus stops before stepping onto the bus.
- Be careful getting on the bus and use the handrails.
- Be sure the bus has stopped completely before getting off.
- Be careful when getting off the bus.
- After getting off the bus, walk in front of the bus and make sure the driver can see you.
- Stay away from the bus rear wheels at all times.
Motorcyclist
- Avoid carrying children while riding the motorcycle. Use a safer means of transport
Cyclist
- Ensure the bicycle is adequately equipped.
- Use bicycle helmet when children are cycling.
| Last reviewed | : | 23 August 2019 |
| Content Writer | : | Dr. Norraliza Md Zain |
| Reviewer | : | Dr. Mohamad Hamim b. Mohamad Hanifah |
