If we are to be serious about road safety, we need to focus more on preventing accidents, instead of only reacting to serious or fatal ones after they have occurred.

In the area of education, I suggest that the Highway Code (under the Road Traffic Act) be posted on a dedicated website. If we cannot easily refer to and be conversant with the Highway Code, how can we be expectedto comply?

Also, there are regulations relevant to pedestrians and cyclists, who might not have taken basic driving courses. Accidents may occur when road users know the rules but non-drivers are ignorant.

Enforcement can also be stepped up by making it easier for motorists and pedestrians to responsibly report “road terrorists” to the Traffic Police.

These include drunk drivers, reckless speedsters, intimidating tail-gaters, those using mobile phones while the vehicle is in motion, and those who overload or do not properly secure goods to their vehicles.

Allow reports to be made at any Neighbourhood Police Centre — and not only to the Traffic Police.

Not everyone will have photographic or video evidence. But if a particular vehicle or driver has drawn a high number of complaints, perhaps a warning letter could be sent to inform the driver that he is now on the Traffic Police’s “radar”.

This could spur him to change his errant behaviour to avoid being charged in future.

I also believe it is unethical for employers to pay drivers of heavy vehicles based on the number of trips they make. As a result, the drivers may speed, and become fatigued, careless and slow to react.

As for drunk driving, since heavy fines do not seem to be effective as a deterrent, perhaps the authorities can consider naming offenders on their website. For example, those charged could be listed for the duration of their driving licence suspension.

In terms of the environment, plants in the vicinity of pedestrian crossings and driveways should not block the view of pedestrians or of motorists.

All pedestrian crossings should also be installed with “dismount and push” signs for cyclists.

Finally, motorists must stop with the “me first” attitude. This has led to behaviour such as forcing others to give way by suddenly switching lanes without signalling, or without giving adequate time for others to slow down to give way.

Remember that our vehicles can quickly turn into lethal weapons.