MUSLIMS in the country were reminded to obey road safety rules and regulations, be more vigilant and to make supplications for protection from Allah (SWT) while on the road.
The Friday sermon yesterday was read in conjunction with The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which is held on the third Sunday of November each year. It is aimed at highlighting the devastating consequences of road traffic accidents.
While calling on Muslims to be grateful for the blessings that has been bestowed by Allah (SWT), the sermon cited that 38 people were killed in road accidents around Brunei in 2009, an increase from the previous year where only 29 fatalities was reported.
"Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to Allah (SWT) as our country has been able to provide public facilities, welfare and joy for the people. One of the public facilities that is part of a daily necessity is the roads," imams nationwide said. Roads are public facilities that connect one place to another, and is not limited to vehicles as it is also utilised for those travelling on foot.
As road users, we must be responsible in protecting and preserving the facilities, and turning them into a safe place, and not otherwise, the sermon sated. It also highlighted the dangerous habit of using mobile phones while driving such as answering calls or text-messaging.
Engineering or technical factors can also contribute to road accidents; especially when combined with environmental factors such as a wet or dark road. Car and road conditions must not be taken lightly, stressed the imams.
On this note, the sermon further stated that relevant authorities are active in their efforts to tackle this issue: "Efforts have been made by revamping road safety rules and regulations, putting up roadblocks and improving road infrastructure, among others."
According to the information stated on the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration website, The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was first celebrated nationally by RoadPeace in 1993.
Since then it has been observed and promoted worldwide by several non-governmental organisation (NGOs), including RoadPeace, the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) and its associated organisations.
In April 2004, the United Nations General Assembly resolution on "Improving global road safety", invited WHO, working in close cooperation with the United Nations regional commissions, to act as coordinator on road safety issues across the United Nations system.
The World Health Assembly accepted this invitation in May 2004 and WHO subsequently set up the UN Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC), which holds biannual meetings to discuss global road safety issues.
Source: The Brunei Times
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