Brunei Darussalam has been recording a steady decrease in road accidents in the past four years while cases of fatalities also fell in the last two years.
The Sultanate saw 1,986 traffic accidents and 14 fatalities in 2023 compared to 2,131 incidents and 20 deaths in 2022. Year 2021 recorded 3,104 road accidents with 16 fatalities and 2020 saw 3,986 incidents and 11 deaths.
The traffic accident statistics were released by the National Road Safety Council (MKKJR) yesterday.
According to MKKJR, from 2020 to 2023, the highest demographic involved in road accidents are aged 18 to 38 followed by 39 to 58 years old and those aged 59 to 78.
More men are involved in traffic accidents resulting in injuries or loss of life compared to women.
The council said common causes of road accidents with fatalities are distracted driving; not following traffic rules such as speeding, using mobile phones while driving, not stopping on red traffic lights and not using seat belt.
MKKJR said it will continue carrying out initiatives, with government agencies, the private sector and associations, to increase public awareness on road safety to reduce traffic accidents. Among the initiatives are road safety roadshow, joint operations such as road blocks, briefings, sermons, Munajat night, Sunnat Hajat prayers, Ratib Al-Attas and Surah Yaasiin recitations to pray to Allah the Almighty for blessings and prevent road accidents.
The council said continuous commitment and efforts from all parties are needed to increase road safety and urged motorists to be vigilant, comply with traffic regulations and law as well as act with responsibility. – James Kon
