Human error remains leading cause of fatal road accidents

14 Feb 2026, 8:08 AM
Human error remains leading cause of fatal road accidents

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 14 — The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) attributed human error as the leading cause of fatal road accidents in Malaysia.

It highlighted key causes, including drivers failing to notice nearby vehicles or objects, careless manoeuvres at junctions, risky lane changes or overtaking, and inattention, daydreaming, fatigue, or drowsiness.

“These patterns indicate that most accidents could be prevented through better driving behaviour and discipline,” MIROS said in a statement today.

Statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police show an average of 13 motorcyclists die each day, with riders remaining the most vulnerable group on Malaysian roads.

“Alarmingly, four in 10 motorcyclists exceed speed limits, 26 to 50 per cent run red lights, and 54 per cent fail to stop at intersections,” it said.

MIROS urged Malaysians to prioritise road safety, especially during festive holidays when traffic volumes surge, causing congestion on highways and main roads.

The institute also advised road users to obey speed limits and traffic signals, plan trips with sufficient rest, use safety gear such as helmets, and practise responsible driving to reduce the risk of fatal accidents.

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