Azlan Othman
A total of 18 lives were lost due to road accidents from January until October 2022, said Imams during the Friday sermon yesterday as the nation marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2022, which focusses on preventing road injuries and the impact on families and communities worldwide.
Accidents cause injuries, damage to property and losses amounting to thousands of dollars burdening the victim, family and government, they said.
Road traffic accidents not only bring sorrow to the victims’ families, but also pose a greater impact to the nation socially and economically, the Imams said.
Hence, laws and regulations are put in place and enforced to safeguard road users and the community.
Rules and regulations must be adhered to.
“Road safety is our shared responsibility and we must obey the road laws and regulations.
“Road traffic accidents are an unexpected mishap. Accidents regularly occur due to negligence from flouting traffic rules and regulations,” Imams said.
“We should be cautious and not to let our negligence and carelessness bring losses to oneself and others to the extent of causing death.
“Awareness, abiding by traffic rules and embracing the teachings of Islam are the basis to guarantee safety on the road,” they added.
Imams said there are several main factors causing road accidents, such as driving dangerously and at speeds exceeding the prescribed limit, using a mobile phone while driving, the negligence of a few road users to carry out vehicle maintenance, violating traffic rules as well as driving in a state of anger, hot tempered and intolerant.
Imams also advised motorists to be fully focussed and concentrate, be patient and not to rush, be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared before driving as well as practise the supplications for protection.
Driving attitudes and ways are part of the Islamic teachings as they are related to the community’s safety and well-being.
While behind the wheel, drivers require concentration besides practising commendable Islamic values such as patience.
Imams added, before driving, one should be equipped physically, mentally and emotionally.
Any carelessness can bring catastrophe in a split second.
In this respect, one noble strength through religious approach that should not be missed out before making a journey is reciting Doa and Zikir for protection.
Before leaving home, one should regularly recite Surah Al-Fatihah, Ayatul Kursi, Surah Quraisy and supplications when boarding a vehicle.
