[UPDATED] 'Red light means stop': Road safety group warns official duties are no excuse

On the night of the incident, an Immigration Department vehicle allegedly disregarded a red light, causing a fatal collision that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The Road Safety Expert Association (PPKJR) has criticized government vehicle drivers for treating official duties as an excuse to flout road traffic laws.

Jamil Manan Supri, the PPKJR chairman, emphasized that running a red light is a serious offense that can lead to catastrophic accidents, regardless of the circumstances. He stressed that not stopping at a red light is not a minor infraction but a grave mistake with potentially fatal consequences. Jamil made it clear that excuses such as being in a hurry, believing the road was empty, or fulfilling official duties cannot justify violating basic road safety rules.

He reiterated that government drivers, whether operating enforcement, operational, or official vehicles, are still accountable for adhering to road traffic laws and driving responsibly. PPKJR expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and called for prompt action if investigations confirmed a connection between the red-light violation and the tragic outcome.

In light of the incident, Jamil urged government agencies to enhance defensive driving and high-risk driving training, enforce strict compliance with standard operating procedures, and monitor driver behavior, particularly concerning high-risk offenses like running red lights, speeding, and dangerous overtaking. He also advocated for regular driver and vehicle safety audits and the use of technology like dashboard cameras and vehicle monitoring systems to prevent future tragedies.

Jamil stressed that while government vehicles may have crucial missions, human life is far more important than any official duty. He reiterated that a red light means stop, and the law applies to everyone. He concluded by emphasizing that official duties should never be used as an excuse to take unnecessary risks with the lives of other road users.