Feb 19 (Reuters) - Alysa Liu skated to the gold medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Thursday to cap a remarkable comeback journey and snap a 20-year-medal drought for American women in the event.
Small but deadly: Kapchais, in this file photo, are not just the most common form of two-wheeled transportation in the country, they are also the most lethal, accounting for 70% of road fatalities . PETALING JAYA: The kapchai, a humble, lightweight motorcycle commonly found on Malaysia n roads, is the nation’s deadliest vehicle, accounting for nearly 70% of annual road fatalities .
Data from the Road Safety Council of Malaysia found that these small-capacity motorcycles, particularly those below 150cc, are often lethal because their delicate structure offers almost no protection during mishaps. “This leaves riders highly vulnerable to serious injury or fatality,” said Datuk Suret Singh, who is an executive member of the council. He said that between 85% and 90% of the almost 16.8 million registered motorcycles in the country are kapchai, or small-capacity, models.Despite it being a “lightweight”, he said the kapchai is often capable of speeds beyond 110kmph.“Road safety interventions, which focus on commercial and passenger vehicles, should no longer continue ignoring the elephant in the room. “Since small-capacity motorcycle riders constitute 70% of deaths, we must consider measures that control their usage and exposure,” he said. He suggested a temporary six-day ban on motorcycles during the festive periods when roads are heavily used. “Restricting the use of kapchai two days before, during and after a festive season could address this issue. This might seem extreme and unpopular, but lives matter.” As an alternative during the temporary ban, he said that riders could carpool or use public transport. Suret said statistics show that 34% of fatalities involving smaller bikes occur on federal roads, 32% on state roads, 22% on municipal roads and 12% on expressways. Travellers could opt to travel by air, train, or bus, as these modes of transportation are known to be safer, he said. As for bus operators, he said they must ensure speed limiter devices are functioning properly and that drivers do not exceed eight hours on the road without compulsory rest stops. On another safety concern, Suret stressed that the use of rear seat belts can reduce the risk of serious injury by up to 50% in a crash and called for stricter enforcement to ensure backseat passengers buckle up. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Law Teik Hua noted that many Malaysians perceive the use of rear seat belts as “optional”. “But in a collision, rear passengers can be flung forward with great force, endangering themselves and those in front,” he said.Prof Law also reminded parents to ensure children are properly secured at all times.He added motorists travelling long distances should ensure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition.Related stories:
Motorcycle Malaysia Road Fatalities Small-Capacity Road Safety Festive Periods Ban Carpool Public Transport Rear Seat Belts
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vietnam retailers see tax compliance, AI as key to survival in 2026 surveyMILAN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Americans Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn left the short programme at the Milano Cortina Olympics on sharply different trajectories - Liu skating into medal position with calm assurance, while Glenn was reduced to tears following a mistake that dropped her down the standings.
Read more »
Radio Free Asia says it resumes broadcasts to ChinaMILAN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Americans Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn left the short programme at the Milano Cortina Olympics on sharply different trajectories - Liu skating into medal position with calm assurance, while Glenn was reduced to tears following a mistake that dropped her down the standings.
Read more »
Family-of-five murder: Witness heard arguments before tragedy, say Kuantan copsMILAN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Americans Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn left the short programme at the Milano Cortina Olympics on sharply different trajectories - Liu skating into medal position with calm assurance, while Glenn was reduced to tears following a mistake that dropped her down the standings.
Read more »
Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Americans Skeptical of Accountability for Powerful People Amid Epstein RevelationsA new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans believe wealthy and powerful individuals are rarely held accountable for their actions, particularly in light of the released documents detailing Jeffrey Epstein's connections in elite circles.
Read more »
Trump claims Obama revealed classified information when he said aliens are realFeb 19 (Reuters) - Alysa Liu skated to the gold medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Thursday to cap a remarkable comeback journey and snap a 20-year-medal drought for American women in the event.
Read more »
Stable meal prices despite festive rushFeb 19 (Reuters) - Alysa Liu skated to the gold medal at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Thursday to cap a remarkable comeback journey and snap a 20-year-medal drought for American women in the event.
Read more »