KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 825 lorries were involved in fatal road accidents, resulting in 5,364 deaths during the first 10 months of this year, police said.
Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the accidents involving lorries were part of a total of 17,905 vehicles reported to be involved in fatal accidents from January to October this year.
"Of this total, 15,402 were cars, followed by motorcycles (1,040), four-wheel (619), and pedestrians (19)," he told Sinar Harian.
Yusri also said the police issued 38,367 traffic summonses to commercial vehicles for various offences between January and September, during the 4,822 operations throughout the country.
"We have also seized 177 different types of commercial vehicles and we are increasingly concerned about the rise in accidents involving heavy vehicles," he said.
He added that among the major offences detected were lorries carrying unsecured and hazardous loads, the absence of warning triangles, faulty signal lights, and non-functioning brakes.
"Light trucks, trailers, and container lorries are the leading contributors to accidents involving commercial vehicles," he added.
Yusri said that the department is always proactive in enforcing regulations.
"We will not compromise and will take strict action to ensure the safety of all road users," he added.
He also urged heavy vehicle drivers experiencing breakdowns to display adequate warning signs to alert other motorists.
"Vehicles that break down should stay in the emergency lane and ensure sufficient warning signs are present.
"This is crucial to prevent accidents involving vehicles stopped in emergency lanes," said Yusri.
He urged operators and employers of commercial vehicles to implement thorough internal screenings.
"This ensures drivers' health, preparedness, and driving skills.
"Regular maintenance must be strictly adhered to, along with vehicle inspections to guarantee roadworthiness," he added.
The increasing number of heavy vehicles continues to alarm the public regarding road safety and contributes to congestion, particularly during festive seasons.