MIRI: Road safety culture should serve as the core principle in driver training to help lower accident rates and cultivate more disciplined and responsible drivers.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said this matter should be given due attention given the high number of road accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, which are often caused by negligence, indiscipline, and failure to comply with road laws.
“A majority of accidents happen due to human error when people drive too fast, use their phones while driving, do not wear seatbelts, or drive in an emotionally disturbed state—so these issues must be emphasised from the training stage,” he said.
He said this at the 42nd Annual Dinner of the Miri Car Driving Instructors Association held here on Friday.
The Senadin assemblyman also advised driving instructors not to take shortcuts when training students and to issue licenses only to individuals who are truly qualified and have received full professional training.
“Don’t teach shortcuts because ‘kopi-O licenses’ are dangerous. Instructors must be professional and give proper guidance. We must instil values of discipline and responsibility from the beginning,” he stressed.
He also proposed that safety checklist practices—like those used by pilots before flights—be adopted as a culture among drivers.
Routine checks such as on tyres, brakes, lights and the engine should become a habit before starting any journey.
Meanwhile, he also called on more driving instructors here to join the Miri Car Driving Instructors Association to strengthen cooperation and collectively raise the standards of the driver training industry.
