Datuk Darell Leiking
KOTA KINABALU (Oct 24): The State and Federal Governments have been urged to re-look into the road design in Sabah especially at U-turns and T-junctions which have the highest incidence of accidents.
Parti Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking
made the call in a statement on Tuesday following the fatal accident at Penampang By-pass on the evening of October 22, involving a Proton Saga FLX and Toyota Hilux.
“I extend my deepest condolence to the families of the elderly couple that died in the accident and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of terrible loss.
“It is high time for both the State and Federal Governments to have a re-look into the road design in Sabah, especially at U-turns and T-junctions that I believe have the highest incidence of accidents.
“At Penampang, numerous accidents involving U-turns have occurred before, most notoriously within Jalan Ramayah along the Jalan Penampang-Papar Lama.
“The State Government must enhance the safety measures on our roads especially at U-turns firstly by installing road speed breakers (to reduce the speed of incoming cars from the opposite lane) and warning signs and secondly, by ensuring all streetlights within 500 metres of any such U-turns are functioning all the time,” he said.
Leiking, who is the former Penampang member of parliament, also suggested the authorities identify the roads in Sabah that require this type of enhancement, where the State Government can work together with the police, Public Works Department and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd.
“The question is whether they have the will to do it or not?” he asked.
Without such enhancement, Leiking said the fatal accident that occurred last weekend will not be the last and the U-turn that claimed two innocent lives will now be waiting in silence for its new, unsuspecting victims which could now be anyone.
“In fact, with our government rushing to complete the Pan Borneo Highway, this safety measure will be needed more than ever.
“We are no longer living in 90s when roads are still considered as empty,” he said.
The husband and wife, in their 60s, were on the way home after attending a family birthday when their car was hit by a four-wheel drive (4WD) about 6.50pm.
Penampang district police chief Superintendent Sammy Newton said initial investigations revealed that the couple was believed to be making a U-turn when their car was hit by the other vehicle heading towards Donggongon township.
The 4WD driver was also seriously injured.