Ella Lei advocates focusing on road safety over penalties for pedestrians and drivers

Lawmaker Ella Lei has affirmed that the committee is focused on improving road design to prevent accidents during the ongoing discussions regarding the revision of the Road Traffic Law.

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Legislative Assembly’s (AL) Spring Lunch yesterday, Lei, who chairs the First Standing Committee of the AL, pointed out that certain road features, such as poorly designed zebra crossings and blind spots caused by curved roads, can contribute to traffic accidents.

“When an accident occurs, we need to examine the road design thoroughly,” Lei explained. “If we find that issues like visual blind spots or poorly placed crossings are involved, it is essential to make corrections to prevent further incidents.”

Along with road design, the lawmaker emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to improve road safety.

“Drivers may not always be familiar with new roads or specific traffic conditions, especially tourists who are not accustomed to the streets,” she said.

“At the same time, pedestrians also need to be more cautious. It’s not just about drivers—pedestrians must also pay attention, especially when crossing streets without looking.”

In terms of legal reforms, Lei highlighted the ongoing deliberation of amendments to the Road Traffic Law in the committee, of which she is the president.

She explained that although the new government has brought a change in leadership, the discussions are progressing.

“We have already talked about some key principles, such as the demerit points system and other significant aspects. Now, we are waiting for both the government and committee to fine-tune the technical details,” Lei noted. “Once we have a clearer understanding, we’ll invite the government to attend the next meeting to discuss further.”

The lawmaker also addressed concerns raised by the public regarding the current traffic regulations.

A contentious issue has been the different legal consequences for pedestrians and drivers involved in traffic violations.

“There is a feeling in the community that the penalties for pedestrians who break the law—such as crossing the street at the wrong time—are less severe than those for drivers,” Lei stated.

“Some believe this creates an imbalance, and we need to carefully examine this issue to ensure fairness.”

Although Lei acknowledged the need for stronger deterrents, she emphasized that the primary focus should be on improving safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

“It’s important that we don’t just focus on penalties but also on creating a safer environment for everyone on the road,” she said. “In the upcoming amendments, there will likely be provisions aimed at improving pedestrian safety, particularly in terms of road crossing behavior and mobile phone use while walking.”

Another area of concern for Lei is the rise in pedestrian-related accidents. While she understands the importance of penalties, Lei pointed out that the law must also address how pedestrians use the road.

“If a pedestrian crosses the street without looking, especially while distracted by their mobile phone, it can be dangerous for both them and the driver.

The law must account for these behaviors, and education campaigns should also be part of the solution.”

“We need to ensure that drivers and the industry as a whole are more proactive in preventing accidents. It is not just about reacting after an incident occurs but also about preventing these situations in the first place,” she said.