Once again it's time for Malaysians to join in the `balik kampung' rush with most driving back home and another sizable number using public transportation.     

Nonetheless, going back to their respective hometowns during the Aidilfitri calls for some mental and physical preparation especially for those who are going to drive back.
 

The Road Safety Department's (JKJR) Director-General Datuk Suret Singh pointed out that as the number of vehicles on the road would increase two or three folds during the festive period, thus there is greater risk of accidents happening.
 

Though JKJR has put in place safety measures and is working with all parties concerned, the drivers too have an important role in not only ensuring their safety but also the safety of others on the road.
 

"If they choose to drive back home, they must adopt the right attitude on the road - drive carefully, be considerate of fellow road users, be patient and plan the journey beforehand.
 

"Also, in planning the journey make sure the vehicles are in good condition," he said when contacted by BERNAMA.
 

Suret also advised the public to consider the public transport modes, that has improved tremendously of late, as an alternative. 
 
 
The annual pilgrimage of Balik Kampung, that has turned into a time honoured custom, not only involves the Muslims but also the non-Muslims due to the long festive break.
 

Unfortunately, the exodus back to the hometowns has seen many road tragedies year in year out.           
 

Last year during the Aidlifitri festive period 17,335 accidents were recorded with 261 road deaths. In 2008, during the same festive period, a total of 15,996 accidents were recorded including 208 deaths.
 

Suret stated that statistics illustrate that riders and pillion riders represent 60 percent of all road fatalities. 
 

"Many of them succumb to head injuries, as they failed to use the crash helmet or the crash helmet was not properly mounted.
 

"Moreover, we also find that the crash helmets they use have failed to meet SIRIM specifications," he said adding that the integrated road safety campaign (Ops Bersepadu) would be carried out to make sure motorcyclist don't flout the crash helmet ruling.
 

In zeroing on errant motorist during the festive rush, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will carry out the Ops Bersepadu XXII along with the `Ops Sikap’ carried out by the police from 3 to 18 Sept.
 

"We will be zeroing on those who cut queue, drive on emergency lanes, overtake where there is double line or in stretches where overtaking is prohibited, riders and pillion riders who fail to wear crash helmets, vehicle occupants who don't wear seat belts, those who drive beyond speed limits or tailgate, beat traffic lights or drive dangerously," he says. 

Keeping the Vehicles in Check

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Bernama in several service centres around the city found that many vehicle owners are already preparing for the long journey home.
 

Chris Wan, a service advisor with Proton Edar Sdn Bhd noted that most owners would start sending their vehicles for servicing during the third or fourth week of the fasting month.
 

The owner of Ampang Auto Car Services, Vincent Tan stated that the vehicles need to be serviced or checked before going on long journeys to prevent accidents or breakdown on the roads.   
 

"Owners must make sure that they have carried out the periodical maintenance including changing the timing belt to prevent breakdown on the road," he said. 
 

The tire and the radiator should be checked.
 

"The tires are meant to be used for two years only, the owners must make sure they are in good condition before embarking on their journey," he added.
 

The managing director of Dua-H Auto Sdn Bhd, Harun Alang Latiff who has been in this business over the last 30 years said it takes between RM100 and RM200 for routine service and owners should not skip this.
 

"There is no point trying to save your money on the expense of your family's safety," he said.
 

- Bernama