In a significant move to improve road safety for children, the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has proposed reducing the maximum speed limit in school zones to 30km/h, down from the previous limit of 40 km/h. This initiative aims to lower the accident rate involving pupils and school students, a vulnerable group on the roads, according to Berita Harian.
Dr. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion (JKMKKJR), highlighted the proposal’s alignment with accident statistics in school areas provided by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). According to PDRM data, 2023 saw 322 injury cases, including fatalities, related to school zone accidents. On average, 67 deaths occur annually due to such incidents.
“The committee’s proposal to lower the speed limit to 30km/h in school zones, along with the construction of speed humps, aims to significantly enhance safety. This measure does not require additional allocations from any ministry, as local authorities (PBT) and schools can collaborate to implement it,” said Dr. Ahmad Zahid at a press conference after chairing the JKMKKJR meeting at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s Traffic Information and Traffic Light Control Center (KLCCC). The meeting was attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and representatives from relevant agencies, including DBKL and PDRM.
Statistical Support for Speed Reduction
Dr. Ahmad Zahid noted that international studies indicate reducing the speed limit by 1km/h can decrease the death rate by 4 to 5 percent. Consequently, lowering the average speed by 5 percent could reduce the risk of fatal accidents by 30 percent. A Task Force needs to be established to set a suitable time frame, identify the start and end zones, and announce the new speed limit in school areas.
Collaborative Efforts for Implementation
Emphasising social responsibility, Dr. Ahmad Zahid urged the Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) to collaborate with schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) to construct speed humps, enhancing the effectiveness of the 30km/h speed limit.
The proposed speed limit reduction reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of school children and reducing road accidents in school zones. The collaboration between local authorities, schools, and the broader community is seen as a crucial step in achieving this goal.