To improve road safety and reduce accident rates, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is urging drivers to maintain proper steering control.
While reckless driving, fatigue, and speeding are often cited as primary causes of traffic accidents, the LTA points out that inadequate steering control is also a significant factor.
Irimaia Rokosawa, the acting CEO of the LTA, emphasized the importance of encouraging safe driving practices to decrease road fatalities. “We urge all drivers to adhere to the safety guideline of having both hands on the steering wheel. This simple yet vital action can greatly enhance road safety. Additionally, we are asking Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to emphasize this practice among their drivers.”
According to the Land Transport (Traffic) Regulations 2000, drivers must keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel while driving, except when shifting gears or when permitted for medical reasons with written approval from the Authority. This regulation underscores the need for drivers to maintain full control of their vehicles.
Rokosawa expressed concern over the common sight of drivers engaging in behaviors such as leaning out of windows or performing actions that could impair their steering ability. He noted that these practices increase the risk of delayed reactions to unforeseen obstacles, potentially leading to accidents.
“This risky behavior is also present among PSV drivers, who bear the responsibility for the safety of many passengers,” he remarked. “Violating this essential safety guideline can result in a $50 fine, but the more critical consequence is that lives may be at stake. Maintaining controlled steering allows drivers to execute swift and precise movements, especially in emergencies.”
Drivers who do not use both hands on the wheel face a heightened risk of delayed responses to sudden road changes, significantly diminishing their ability to navigate effectively. Rokosawa warned that losing control can occur easily; a firm grasp on the steering wheel is crucial for vehicle direction and stability.
The situation worsens in adverse weather or on winding roads, where one-handed steering can lead to veering off course or into opposing traffic. For PSV drivers, who are responsible for multiple passengers, the stakes are even higher, as any mistake can have dire outcomes.
Rokosawa affirmed that the Authority is focused not only on enforcing penalties but also on raising awareness about the dangers of improper steering techniques. They plan to enhance public education campaigns and driver training programs to ensure that all road users understand and adhere to traffic safety regulations.
He highlighted that effective steering control is a fundamental aspect of safe driving that should never be overlooked. By protecting themselves and their passengers, drivers contribute significantly to reducing accident risks and improving overall road safety for everyone.