Do we cry over 'spilled milk'?

When reading about how 13-year-old dies in crash after sneaking out in dad’s car, I am almost speech-less. This is a classic example of incidents that could be avoided, if only proper safety and security measures are adhered to.

First of all, my heart goes to the families of the deceased. This is indeed a trying time. To get hold of oneself and to come to term to the tragedy that has befallen them.

Anyways, if only the keys to the cars are kept away from children?
If only the elders are aware of things that is happening to their children at all times?
If only the elders are in control of things at their houses, the opening and closing of doors, the entry and exits of occupants?
If only?

My prayers for no more of this kind of incidents in the future and especially not to me and my own family and friends.

My other wishes is that there should be a regulation to penalise the owner of vehicles whenever their vehicles are used by un-licensed drivers. Would there be any, in light of this sorry accident?

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The Star Online > Nation

Thursday June 2, 2005

13-year-old dies in crash after sneaking out in dad’s car

BY FREDERICK FERNANDEZ

The badly-damaged car at the scene of the accident in Jalan Seraya, Taman Chi Liung, Klang, early on Wednesday. Chia Ern died in the crash while one of her friends, who was driving the car, suffered serious injuries.

KLANG: A 13-year-old girl paid with her life when she sneaked out of her house with her father’s car for supper with four schoolmates early yesterday.

Tan Chia Ern died on the spot when the car driven by one of her friends smashed into a tree on the way home.

Chia Ern left her house in Jalan Seroja, Port Klang, at 2am to pick up her friends for a late meal in Bukit Tinggi 7km away.

When they were done at 4am, Chia Ern handed the car keys to Chong Ji Yin, 17, to drive them back. She rode in the front passenger seat.

Ji Yin lost control of the car at a sharp bend in Jalan Seraya, Taman Chi Liung, and drove into a tree by the roadside. The impact threw him and Chia Ern against the windscreen.

Chia Ern was pronounced dead on arrival at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital while Ji Yin was warded with serious injuries.

The three in the back seat – sisters Fang Wai Kwan, 18, Yee Theng, 16, and Lee Kit Yi, 14 – received out-patient treatment at the hospital.

Klang traffic police chief Asst Supt Junaidi Bujang said none of the five teenagers, who were students of SM Hin Hua, had a driving licence.

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