CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.

1 Introduction

Road accidents are one of the major social problems in Malaysia. It is a serious concern despite our countrys status which is a Developing country. Road safety has been considered as one of social responsibility by the Government of Malaysia. Since our Independence, a number of bodies pertaining with road safety have joined hand with Government Agencies, Private sector Agencies and voluntary organizations. Transportation plays an important role in coordinating all development programs of nations. The transport sector is not only a service offering and potentially productive, but also a wonderful facility offering general movement modes in different types and forms appropriate to the needs of the society. Transportation remains a necessity for human mobility and goods to be possessed and become a fundamental part of everyday life. With the expansion of human activities rapidly increasing, the complex through the various functions and daily activities indirectly increase the demand for various types of vehicles. Simultaneously, the number of vehicles on the road also increased rapidly each year. Statistics of road accidents ( traffic division ) of the Royal Malaysian Police shows in the last 2 years (2011-2012 ) , the number of road accidents increased , from 449,049 persons in 2011 to 462,463 people in 2012, as shown in Table 1.1 and 1.2 . These include accidents involving death, serious and light injuries and Property Damage. From the Report, it is expected that it will continue to rise over now .

Table 1.3: Number of drivers / riders involved in Road Accident, Malaysia 2011 Source: (Royal Malaysia Police, 2012)

The government, Political Leaders, the Road Transport Department, Royal Malaysian Police and other Government and Non-Governmental Agencies believe and urge the change in attitude of road users to be a key to overcome and reduce the rate of road accidents in the country. Inconsiderate Behavior such as Impatience, Arrogance and Ignorance of Road Rules are some of the characteristics of Bad Road users. Below are more examples:

A) Light and heavy vehicle drivers who like to speed and bum too closely, sudden breaks, turning without signaling, cutting lanes into the corners and to the left, fail to wear seat belts, parking on the shoulder of the road in danger, careless and being inconsiderate.

B) Avid Motorcyclist who intervenes between vehicles, cut on the side left, racing, riding without lights at night or in dark weather, not wearing a helmet and so on.

C) Pedestrian crossing recklessly, passing whim (jay walking) and adopt a path crossing the road without using (zebra crossing).

Various efforts are implemented to change the attitude of road users, for example educating the public with Campaigns and Informative Programs. However these efforts still seems to be less effective in achieving the targeted Goal. Therefore, it is suggested to conduct a proper research to study attitudes of Road users and the connection with a traffic accident. This will identify the root problems so that Preventive Measurements can be taken.

1.3 Aim & Objective The main goal of this research is to study the attitude of drivers and pedestrians on the road and its relation to road traffic accidents. It is hoped that this study will answer these question: -What is the relationship of road accidents with Road users attitude? -What kind of attitude with respect to drivers tend to road accidents (Accident Prone)? -How to achieve Free from road traffic accidents (Accident Free)?

To achieve the goals, these following can be done:

A) -Identifying the causes of road accidents along the way Batu Pahat-Kluang B) -To determine and analyze the critical behavior of road drivers and pedestrians who uses Kluang road . C) -Suggest some ways to reduce traffic accidents on road drivers and pedestrians

1.4 Scope of Work

The scope of the study is focused on Road users behaviors against accidents. The examination covers the properties of the attitude of drivers and pedestrians who tend to be involved in the risk of road accidents taking into account the time pressure, excitement, challenge, and want to achieve driving satisfaction. All these factors are targeted for action by the authorities and the rescuers in reducing the incidence of road accidents. It is hoped that this research will feature information and important source of data about the behavior of road users who are convicted of a traffic accident.

1.5 Significance of Research

The purpose of this research is applied in order to bring awareness to the parties involved in creating a more secure environment. In our society, people tend to blame the driver or road user when the accident occurred, despite the fact that the negligence of the driver may be caused by other factors that interfere with the driver's attention. This study will allow for a clear study of the rate of accidents on major roads that may be useful to the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Ministry of Works Malaysia and local authorities to road accidents.

1.6 Hypothesis

From this study, it is found that if the user comply the road rules, the percentage of Road accidents can be reduced. To prove this hypothesis, the objectives will be carried out in 1.3.