Road user warns of danger zone

SIBU: An assistant from Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew’s service centre, Ting Jun Hao, reported discovering a damaged section of Lane 12 on Ding Lik Kong Road yesterday (Nov 3).
According to Ting, the road contractor had placed only a single warning sign directly next to the damaged area.
“Contractors should be more cautious and consider the safety of road users. Warning signs should be placed several metres ahead of the damaged section to alert vehicles to the danger, rather than just putting a sign next to the damage,” Ting said in a statement.
Ting said that Lane 12 sees heavy traffic, necessitating extra care in warning sign placement to prevent accidents.
“If vehicles are travelling at higher speeds, it may be too late to avoid an accident once they notice the damage,” he said.
Standard safety practices recommend placing signs like “AWAS” or “SLOW” several meters in advance.
He observed that this contractor had not followed such guidelines and had placed the warning sign in the middle of the road at a one-way-in, one-way-out intersection, which he deemed very dangerous.
After revisiting the site today (Nov 4), Ting found the damaged area had been levelled with gravel but urged that tar or bitumen should be applied promptly for added safety.
“I suggest placing multiple warning signs several metres before dangerous sections to alert drivers to upcoming hazards,” Ting added.