Fatalities on North-South Highway

June 20th, 2010 admin

You see your son packing his bags enthusiastically.

Water bottles – Check!
Biscuits and cookies – Check!
Magazines – Check!
And the checklist goes on.

Except that he isn’t really heading off in-camp back to National Service. He is planning a trip to Kuala Lumpar with a group of friends. And he is borrowing you 1.6 litre sedan car for that reason, having obtained his licence 2 years ago.

Since that license was obtained 2 years back, you had seen him developed the acumen for driving. Your son filter across lanes with ease and maneuver around sharp corners and squeezy carpark lots smoothly. He has started to drive with more courtesy, allowing vehicles to cut into his lane if they signal.

Except that he has never taken a road trip to Malaysia.

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Opened in 8 September 1994, the North-South highway has been a boon to Singaporeans seeking a gateway to Genting Highlands and KL. Starting from Johor Bahru and with a default speed limit of 110km/hour, it is a thrill for people making their road trip for the first time.

Accident vehicle on the N-S Highway

Causes of accidents on the North South Highway

1. The thrill is one of the reason accidents occur. While the limit is set at 110km/hr, the lack of traffic on the North-South Highway means that people have a tendency to go beyond that limt. The real norm is for people driving at 130km/hr. It is also common to see teenagers and young adults driving at 160km/hr – on a Perodua. At such speed, most people do not have the necessary knowledge about the braking of a car or the tendency of a car to swerve. In addition, most people hold on tightly to their steering wheel if the wheels start to lock (vehicles without Anti Lock-Braking System) – resulting in skidding. Any attempt to swerve to avoid an animal or an object may also cause a car to overturn.

2. Besides the thrill, fatigue is another common cause of accident. And this is more likely during the return trip when the driver had partied the night before and loses concentration or even consciousness.

3. Even if you drive with absolute care, you can get into an accident as the vehicle besides you swerve into your lane abruptly and pushes your vehicle onto the road divider. You might not be in total control of your own destiny, and you might be implicated by the mistakes made by others.

4. Finally, unfamiliarity of the road conditions means that you might not be aware of the bend ahead. The weather may reduce the visibility ahead, and you need to give your steering wheel half a turn in half the time.

Typically, accidents on the North-South Highway are fatal due to impact at high speed, with vehicles on the verge of being torn into half. On 20th Jun 2010, N-S Highway recorded 5 deaths alone in a single morning.

Accident vehicle on the N-S Highway

Preventive action

Where possible, the following should be practiced:

1. Avoid traveling at high speeds – keep to at max of 130km/hr.

2. Ensure sufficient rest before you start your journey – do not start the ignition if you are still sleepy!

3. Have a travel companion where possible – another pair of eyes could help.

4. Stay away from fast traveling lorries - they could be driving faster than you! Allow them to overtake with no ego bruised.

5. Maintain your car – check your tyre thread and brake discs. Ensure they can provide the necessary brake. If possible, spray some “rain-on” on your windscreen to keep the water away when raining.

6. Gather the experience – slow down!

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As your son steps out of the house, you pointedly repeat the 6 points above to him. This is his first trip and you warned him not to make this his last trip as well!

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Entry Filed under: Crime and Safety,News and Information