The Malaysian Association of Standards in its article which appeared very recently, stated that, according to the Malaysian Automobile Association or M.A.A., some 536,905 new vehicles are expected to be registered in Malaysia this year alone, including passenger and commercial ones.

Although, it is compulsory now for front and rear seat passengers to wear seat belts when driving in Malaysia, there is actually no law which makes it mandatory for children to be strapped down when travelling in vehicles with parents and adults.

Before we proceed any further with this article, a “seat belt” may just only be a piece of cloth but remember, this simple invention, does save lives.

The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention states that more than 1.2 million people die and as many as 50 million people are injured on our roads everyday. It is expected that this figure will rise by about 65% over the next 20 years, if steps are not taken to prevent traffic accidents.

My reading and researches made prior to writing this article, discovered some very interesting and startling facts which I feel should be shared with the blog readers.

Although the Road Transport Ordinance 1987 clearly states that a driver can be charged for non wearing of a seat belt, and can thus be imposed a fine of RM100 (section 119(2)), however, the law is silent on the wearing of a seat belt by children and small babies in Malaysia.

Readers might be surprised, that there are laws, when driving in other countries such as England, Australia, Germany and other European countries, which specifically insists the wearing of seat belts by the young.

In the United Kingdom, seat belts must be worn at all times by front and back passengers. Children under 12, must not sit in front seats. Except for infants or young children in baby or “booster” seats.
In Australia, seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers all the time. In New Zealand, the law says drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front. They must be seated at the back. This is the regulation in Belgium.

In Finland, the law there says that seat belts are mandatory both at the front and rear seats. If you should be driving in France, do remember all passengers are mandatorily required to wear seat belts. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to sit in front and must be seated at the rear with a seat belt tightly fastened.

When driving in Germany, drivers are reminded that seat belts are mandatory for passengers sitting both in front and at the back. There exists a fine, for each person not using a seat belt, on the spot.
The rule regarding seat belts in Portugal requires children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front. Unless they are over 150 cm tall. Baby and booster seats are compulsory for children up to 12 years of age.

In Italy, children who are under 4 years of age are not allowed to travel unless they are seated in a child safety seat that has met with safety regulations. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front and must be seated at the back safely fastened.

From my reading with regards to seat belts, most countries seem to make it compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Spain, Sweden, Austria, Greece, Ireland and Netherlands, are examples of countries which make it a compulsory ruling to use seat belts.

In my reading on this subject on seat belts, some countries do not seem to mention the use of seat belts in their countries. Most likely, it is therefore assumed that the use of seat belts there, is not compulsory. Countries which fall into this category include China, Indonesia, Israel and Egypt.

Now that you know that most countries make it compulsory for the use of seat belts in vehicles, those in Malaysia, especially the authorities should ponder over this problem very seriously and come up quickly with a ruling to make it mandatory for small children and babies to don seat belts as well.

A reader of this blog, a Mr. Patrick, from Florida state wrote in to tell us that down there, police will not hesitate to issue a summon to anyone who ferries a small child without the use of “baby seats” and strollers. That’s how safety conscious people are in the United State of America.

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Preventing accidents during going back home or balik kampung to the towns and villages where one lives, does not depend solely on safety campaigns organized by the authorities alone. During lectures conducted for would be drivers prior to their sitting for the Highway Code exam, I still remember an important topic entitled “Planning One’s Journey” to avoid accidents and mishaps happening.

This article intends to highlight a few things motorists should do prior to their long journey back home. Irregardless of whether you live in Pulau Pinang, Kota Bharu or Johor Baharu, it is imperative that preparations should ideally be made to make your journey back home safe.

Amongst some of the things I feel should be paid due attention are:

1) Condition of your vehicle.

Unless you possess a vehicle that is new or in good mechanical condition, one that would be able to withstand the stress of going through a few hundred kilometers of vigorous, pounding conditions and in all kinds of weather, think twice before embarking on a difficult journey back home to your kampung.

Assuming that you are working in Kuala Lumpur and you would like to make a 250 km journey home to your kampung in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah this forth coming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebration, ask yourself one simple question – Is your present vehicle you are using capable of undergoing the tremendous strain it is about to undertake?

Therefore, prior to taking off on such a journey, what should you ideally do? Service your vehicle is my most ardent advise to your.

Ensure first and foremost your vehicle air-con unit is well serviced and provides cool and refreshing air to you and your vehicle will make one a better and safe driver. If will also provide you with a comfortable drive back home.

2) The condition of your brakes.

You have to check your brake oil level and the condition of your brake pads prior to starting off on a long journey back home. Accidents can easily take place if there two items are not in satisfactory conditions. So, take your car to your usual mechanic or workshop to have them look over your brakes. This is one duty you will not regret doing, believe me.

3) The condition of your vehicle tyres.

Experts say, a tyre is considered in good condition if it possesses 60% tyre tread. Anything less that this figure is termed as dangerous. Besides checking on tyre treads, also make it a point to check upon things such as balancing and alignment as well.

If you as a motorist is uncertain about such matters, seek out the assistance of your neighborhood tyre shop to help you.

4) Make sure you have enough money to pay for expenses.

Many motorists, irregardless of whether you believe or not, find that they sometimes have insufficient money to pay for tolls and expenses for drinks and refreshments incurred along the way back home. At times, your vehicle might possibly develop breakdowns.

I once sustained a brake failure breakdown near Batang Kali town a few years ago. With insufficient money in hand, I had to appeal to the mechanic attending me to permit me to go back to Rawang town to get the money required from the ATM machine.

So it is hoped that what has happened to me will not befall you as you travel back home to your beloved home town this coming Hari Raya occasion. Make sure you have enough money with you to deal with any unforeseen problems which might befall you.

5) Do not speed.

As you travel back home to your kampung, keep one important thing in mind. Remember, “Speed Kills”. The maximum speed along our national highway is 90 km/h for state roads while for expressways, the maximum speed is 110 km/h. Although the authorities say no road blocks will be set up this time around, nonetheless, speed traps and photographs will be taken against those who speed. I would like to advise all motorists to keep to a cruising speed, which is as a matter of fact, safer.

6) Check on your spare tyre.

Spare tyres are always important items as one travels back home to your hometown. Make sure that your spare tyres are inflated with air. Spare tyres which have no air in it is of no use should you sustain a tyre puncture along the way back home. So take note of this important advice.

7) Prepare fire extinguishers and medical first aid boxes.

A fire extinguisher, especially a portable one is of utmost importance to a motorist. It should be kept under the front seat of the driver. In such a position, it would be easily assessable to the driver in time of emergencies. Medical first aid boxes should also be made available in any vehicle which is making a journey back home to the place from where one originates.

The above 7 tips represent some of the important things which a motorist has to keep in mind as he drives back home for the forthcoming festive occasion this approaching Hari Raya.

Drive carefully and I hope you will arrive safe and sound to be with your family and loved ones. Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to one and all.

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Unlike other festive occasions previously, Hari Raya celebrations scheduled for 31st August 2011. The Road Transport Authorities (RTD) and the Police this year, they will no longer organize any road blocks. This is to ensure a smoother flow of traffic as a result of the impending Hari Raya “balik kampung” rush.

During that time, Malaysians, especially our Muslim brethren will once again take part in the annual balik kampung exodus to celebrate the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri festive occasion with their families and friends back home.

Unlike the other years, where Operations Sikap campaigns were organized, this year, the authorities reiterate there will no longer be such operations.

Malaysian motorists should not feel elated just because no roadblocks will be organized this year. The RTD said that more than 35,000 of its department’s officers will be engaged to man all major roads and highways throughout the country to help reduce the number of fatalities that usually accompany such festive occasions as New Year celebrations, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas.

Inspite of not setting up road blocks, nevertheless, JPJ officials would be on the road in disguise to snap photographs of motorists who commit traffic offences.

The JPJ in its Ops Samaran campaign in conjunction with last year’s Chinese New Year celebrations, held between January 21st to 22nd of February 2011, was said to have recorded some 7,229 offences. 3,887 of them were reported to have been committed by motorists who beat the traffic lights.

In line with this year’s road safety exercise JPJ public relation officer, Cik Noraini Mohd Nawi said the department hopes the public would assist the department take photographic evidences of motorists committing traffic offences.

Cik Noraini also said photographs taken by the public should be clear as well as showing the offences and the vehicle number plate. If possible, the location of the offense should ideally be included as well.

Motorists who are caught breaking traffic rules would be called up for interviews by the department and issued with summons later. Those who failed to attend the interviews would then be blacklisted.

Where can the public send photographs of offences to? Such pictures of offences can be forwarded to JPJ email at aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my.

If you have been frustrated by the number of road users breaking traffic laws on the road, you can now take out your digital camera or camera phone and start snapping away! All of us should do our part to help the authorities to make our Malaysian roads safer.

It is compulsory for cars and small lorries to have seat belts if you are driving in Malaysia. The wearing of rear seat belt was recently introduced here in March 2010. The seat belt or more popularly known as the “safety belt”, was said to have been first introduced in America by Ford motors corporation.

In most write ups on motoring, unfortunately the topic regarding seat belt are normally not accorded prominence. However, in a recent article prepared for motorists in conjunction with the forth coming festive season for Hari Raya celebrations, a leading car manufacturer has prepared a very informative article with regards to seat belts for young passengers.

I happened to come across the above article and feels it should be highlighted for the benefit of all other readers who might have missed reading it.

Seat belts or safety belts are important. Seat belts may simply be a piece of cloth. But in reality, it saves millions of lives. In Malaysia, under the Road Transport Ordinance 1987, via Circular K.4 MV(SSB) 78 (P.U.A 378/78), a person not wearing a seat belt can be fined by the courts a sum of RM100.

While many countries clearly stipulate that a child below the age of 12 years is not allowed to sit in the front seat, in Malaysia, there is no such ruling to determine where a young child should be seated. Nevertheless, as children’s safety are important considerations to most parents, these things should in fact be given serious considerations by parents to children travelling in cars.

Below are a few important and useful tips which parents can opt to adopt. Hopefully they can ensure a safe and trouble free for all of us.

In earlier articles elsewhere in this blog, I have time and again stressed that it is impertinent to inspect what is behind and also beside the vehicle prior to reversing. Incidents have been reported of parents knocking into their own children while reversing. Family members and loved ones, eager to send off a child, have often become victims of such accidents.

No child should ever be allowed to travel in the front seat. This is because, there has been reports of “air bags”, which is a modern contraption of most cars nowadays, have been reported to have caused injuries to small children during accidents.

Children below the age of 12 and especially small babies, should only travel in a car strapped up in special toddler seats specially meant for them. In Malaysia, it looks as if local laws are silent on how to transport young children. As such, parents should therefore follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as closely as possible.

The article to which I am referring to, suggests that the correct type and size of seat for children should be chosen. First of all, there is available what is known as “Infant Seats”, suitable for babies from birth up to 10kg. Secondly, there is the “Convertible Safety Seats” for babies weighing 10kg to 18kg. Thirdly, there is also available what’s called “Booster Seats” for children or babies weighing 18kg to 27kg. And finally, there are also special “safety seat” belts for slightly bigger babies.

Besides the types of safety seats for the young children already mentioned, the safety of our young siblings does not depend solely upon these seats alone. There are certain things and precautions parents should take into consideration as well. Amongst them, are:-

1. Make sure that a child safety seat that is need is properly buckled down and secured before driving off.

2. All heavy items should ideally be secured in “cargo nets” or “straps” to prevent them from flying around should an accident happen.

3. Children should never be left unattended in the car, particularly in the hot, Malaysian sun. It is very dangerous. Babies can easily be killed in the extreme heat. Or worst of all, babies could very well be abducted by car jackers.

Likewise, small children can very well accidentally release hand brakes, or they could get out of the cars and run the risk of getting run over by another vehicle on the road.

4. It is important to ensure children are not allowed to put out their heads/hands out of the windows while the vehicle is moving.

5. Make sure vehicles ideally have driver controlled windows and door locks so that children cannot open them while the vehicle is moving.

6. Lock all doors when vehicles are moving.

7. Do not have balloons, small toys or food which could cause chocking in the car.

8. Dangerous objects and sharp items should ideally be kept away from children’s reach.

9. Electric lighters should also be removed.

10. Finally, a car should be equipped with emergency triangles, a flashlight, a medical first aid box and a fire extinguisher as well.

With the above suggestions given, it is hoped that the safety of our children can be ensured as they travel along with their parents in their journey back home this festive season.

After the Sikap campaign or the Road Safety Campaign conducted by the authorities, the Road Transport Department(J.P.J.), the police and others, no more tragic and horrific incidents were reported this year.

The J.P.J followed up the above campaign with stringent checks on tour and express buses. The Road Transport Department at one stage was reported to have resorted to buying tickets and boarding express buses to check upon the antics of buses’ drivers.

For over more than 40 days, the public did not hear of any reports of accidents after that “No news, they say, is good news.” But is this really true?

Then on Sunday 20 March, 2011, what Malaysians have so often feared to hear and read about happened again. At KM 341.9 of the North-South Highway, to be exact, near Bidor, Perak, a bus express was reported to have been involved again in another tragic accident.

Six passengers who were badly injured were reportedly taken to hospitals in Tapah, Teluk Intan and Ipoh. 2 others who sustained minor injuries were sent to the Tapah Hospital.

Unfortunately, a 74 year old passenger of the express bus, Sahad Shariff Md Din, 74, died in the above horrific accident on that fateful night. Although himself injured, Shariff, was rescuing other injured passengers when the ill fated bus express, was surprisingly hit for a second time by, of all things, a large container reportedly said to be carrying paper reels.

The container had rammed into the back of the express bus. As a result, Shariff, a good Samaritan, was himself killed while attempting to rescue others. He died in the process of trying to help others. A real “hero” indeed!

Regarding the above accident, Tapah O.C.P.D., Superintendent Roslan Bek Ahmad, told reporters that it took the Fire and Rescue Department personnel over more than an hour to free the 3 victims trapped in the mangled wreck!

Let us now study what’s the reason why so many express buses are involved in tragic accidents. It has now come to a stage whereby the public has come to consider travelling by express buses as being one of the most dangerous mode of transport.

I have friends who would wish to sight see our own country. These friends normally visit oversea countries such as Taiwan, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Italy and other European nations.

My own wife has seen and visited most countries of the world. Due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis which recently hit Japan, our closest neighbour, these group of Malaysians now feel that they should visit tourist spots back home.

Most Malaysians have yet to see tourist attraction spots in our country. One example is historical Malacca. Pulau Pinang is yet another interesting place one should pay a visit to. “Betong” in Kedah, I think is another interesting place in Malaysia that is worth visiting too.

This group of friends of mine, who are in the age group of 50 and 60’s, have a lot of time on their hands. They are willing to spend their weekends, on Saturdays and Sundays, to visit places such as Kuantan, Ipoh, Johore Baru and so on.

The above group of people feels that the best way to sight see the entire country is to travel by bus. But they feel they should travel by bus only during daylight hours. They have come to a conclusion that to travel by express buses during the night, is extremely dangerous.

Most accidents which involve tour buses normally take place when it’s way past midnight. Very seldom do we hear of accidents happening during the daylight hours. As such, they feel that to travel by express buses or tour buses during the night is an emphatic “no-no” for them.

What seems to be the reason for the express buses being involved in so many accidents? It’s never a waste of time delving into it. Amongst some of the most likely reasons or factors why express buses seem to be involved in numerous accidents must surely be:-

1) Buses in poor physical condition.

As an instructor, and one who has to send his driving school vehicle for inspection by the Puspakom authorities once every 6 months, I have seen how trailers, school buses, tour and express buses being sent for inspection. Furthermore, most express and tour buses are normally new vehicles which are beautifully designed and physically they are in superb condition.

I believe that poor conditions of buses are definitely not a cause for buses being so rampantly involved in horrific accidents. It “physical” reasons do not seem to appear to be the cause for accidents, then there surely must be other reasons we should be looking into instead.

2) Poor discipline and ethics of our tour and express bus drivers.

This factor, I feel should be given prominent emphasis. The fact that foreigners feel that Malaysian drivers represents one of the worst drivers in the world, without a doubt lend weight that Malaysian bus drivers are perhaps not a very disciplined lot.

Unlike in other countries, especially in European nations like England, France, Germany and Australia for instance, where bus drivers are provided proper training and are coached specially by companies to handle buses, in our country, no such training exists.

Normally, an express bus driver is employed by a company here based on one’s experience and the number of years he has been in the field. I have yet to hear of any bus company that provides special training for its staff.

But Kontena Nasional and Shell are but some of the rare companies that do provide training for its drivers. Maybe, it is about time for large bus companies and concerns to start a programme to provide training for its fleet of bus drivers. And in doing so, hopefully the rate of accidents involving bus express will then decrease.

3) Speeding.

The government should limit the speed limit express buses are allowed to travel on our expressway and highways. Buses with 44 passengers are rather difficult to handle. Highways allow a speed of 90 km/h. Whereas, on expressways, the maximum speed limit permitted is 110 km/h.

The above speed is acceptable for day time travel. But at night, things are different. Vision becomes poor. Dangers tend to lurk at all corners other vehicles on the road tend to break down, causing bus drivers immense difficulties.

Accidents can easily happen especially during the night. As such, express and tour buses should adopt a much lower speed of travelling. I hold the opinion that the night speed a tour or express bus should be allowed to travel should be 70 km/h.

As they say in Bahasa Malaysia, “biar lambat asalkan selamat”. “Travel a little bit slower, as long as everyone is safe” should be the maxim that should be adopted..

4) Talking to passengers.

Express and tour bus drivers should refrain from holding conversations with passengers and also refrain from using handphones whilst they are driving.

My daughter, and my wife, recently returned from a holiday in Turkey. They told me, bus drivers there, make it a point not to engage in conversations with passengers while they are driving.

Bus drivers in Turkey, adhere to a strict speed limit too. Stern actions are taken against drivers who break the law. Furthermore, my daughter informs me, in Turkey, tour and chartered buses seldom move after night fall.

It is believed by the authorities that to travel during the night is dangerous. Buses are encouraged to travel only during the daylight hours.

Speaking about the use of handphones, authorities like the Road Transport Department and the police should impose heavy penalties on bus drivers who possess handphones whilst they are driving.

5 ) Lack of drivers.

There should be a minimum of 2 bus drivers for every express or tour buses. This requirement should be strictly enforced, especially during the night.

Long distance travels, say from Penang to Kuala Lumpur or from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore are more than 250 km. A driver tends to get tired driving such long distances. Ideally such long journeys should ideally have 2 drivers for each journey.

Besides drivers, a tour or express bus travelling such cross country runs, should stop half way for rests and refreshments.

In the 1970’s, I travelled rather extensively from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. Our buses, which normally leave the bus depot at Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur at 10.00 p.m. would make it a point to stop at Ipoh, Perak, at around midnight or 1.00 a.m.

Likewise, an express bus leaving the Sultan Abdul Halim terminal at Bukit Mertajam, at 10.00 p.m. would also make it a point to stop at Ipoh at around midnight or 1.00 a.m.

“Mid way stops” recommended for express buses at the times suggested above, tend to bring about a few benefits such as:-
i. Passengers and bus drivers would feel invigorated or “refreshed” as a result of stopping for a rest at half way houses as they are called.

ii. The approximately half an hour stop which the bus makes goes a long way in giving the engine a deserved rest. The same also to tyres as well.

What about the trailer which was carrying paper reels crashing into the express bus? How could a trailer crash into an express bus that has already met with an accident on the expressway? It is most perplexing!

It clearly indicates that the trailer driver has been driving rather carelessly. Crashing into an bus express that has already stalled on the road, tantamount to careless driving. Under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987, a driver can be charged rather severely.

It all clearly indicates that amongst today’s drivers of huge trailers and lorries, there are some who do not seem to be competent at all. They do not appear to be able to handle huge vehicles well. Crashing into another huge vehicle that has already got into an accident on our expressway or highway is something that should not have happened. The driver responsible for it should rightfully be banned.

Besides being incompetent, the trailer driver might have undergone tremendous strain of driving. In short, he was most probably extremely tired at the time he crashed into the back of the express bus. The trailer driver should undergo a medical test to determine if he has been on “drugs” or otherwise.

To date, the public is yet to know what exactly happened to the express bus which was involved in the tragic accident at KM 341.9 near Bidor, Perak. Maybe at a later stage, there may be more details regarding the above incident being given out to the public.

What do drivers in England, New Zealand, Australia, India and Malaysia have in common? First of all, drivers in the above mentioned countries drive on the “left” hand side of the road. Therefore when a driver intends to overtake another vehicle, they overtake on the right.

Although one is ideally recommended to overtake on the right hand side, nevertheless, my driving instructor, who taught me driving way back in the early 1970’s, Mr. Tew Hock Lai, advised me that one can overtake on the “left”, when necessary.

Mr. Tew regularly told me, that a driver is allowed to overtake on the left, when the vehicle in front has stopped or has indicated his or her intention of turning to the right. In such a situation, Mr. Tew told me, driver is allowed to overtake on the left. But in doing so, extreme care and proper signals should be adopted.

However, all drivers should always try to follow the maxim of overtaking ideally on the “right”. To me, as an instructor, of more than 40 years of experience, to adhere to the belief that it is safer and less dangerous overtaking on the correct side, that is the right hand side is better.

To all drivers, I would like to advise, avoid overtaking on the left, if you possibly can. All that you possibly need is, be a little bit more patient, that’s all. Anyway, according to a popular saying, “Patience, infact, is a virtue.” The national language of our country, Bahasa Malaysia, reiterates “Kesabaran adalah separa iman.”

A reader of this blog very recently wrote in to this blog to request that an article be written on a few bad habits commonly adopted by Malaysian drivers of today. Amongst some of the mistakes or habits drivers of our country commonly commit must surely include “overtaking on the left”, “road hogging” on the fast lane of emergency, and believe it or not “crossing into chevrons”.

For those who are not too well versed with traffic regulations and rules, permit me to illustrate to you what “chevrons” are actually. Chevrons are linings on roads which separate two roads which meet. The V shaped white lines you find near traffic lights, while going up bridges and so forth, are actually intended for broken down vehicles, especially in busy areas, like Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Johore Bahru and Penang.

I still remember an incident I experienced while travelling out of Batang Kali town once, with a friend of mine, a young driver, aged around 27 years of age, who was unfortunately not too well versed with traffic rules and regulations. This young driver above, has in his haste, over taken another slow vehicle infront of him at a “chevron” area along the highway.

Unfortunately for us, a traffic officer, suddenly came out from amongst some bushes nearby, and flagged us down. My friend, who was driving then, turned around to me who was sitting next to him to inquire, “Have I done anything wrong?” As a lecturer for the “Highway Code” for new drivers, I immediately retorted, “Certainly, you have.”

To cut the long story short, no amount of appeals could prevent the good traffic officer issuing us a traffic summons that day. It was a costly lesson which we learnt that particular day.

I promised to the reader who requested that an article be penned on certain bad habits which many Malaysian drivers are guilty of, has finally led to this article being written. Therefore this article will specially emphasize upon 3 things, namely:-
1. Overtaking on the left
2. Road hogging especially along expressways
3. Is it right or wrong to cross into “chevron” areas

Before proceeding any further with this article, the Road Transport Ordinance 1987, which all drivers should be well versed with, spells out very clearly that, according Circular K. 5 RTR(LN) 166/59, a driver who overtakes on the left can be charged under section 119 (2) of the act. He or she can then be fined a sum of RM300 for it.

1) Overtaking on the left in the town areas.

As said much earlier, if you happen to be in a town area, whereby you are not travelling too fast, and should you encounter a vehicle or driver who has stopped infront and attempting to turn into the right lane, as a driver, you can adopt to stop behind the driver infront or choose to signal left, and slowly inch your way via the left lane, which is incidentally “overtaking on the left”. You have infact not committed an offence at all.

Therefore, overtaking on the left, in towns especially, albeit not encouraged at all, is an acceptable norm of driving, I would say. If such actions are adopted, I would deem it acceptable as long as it is done safely and carefully.

2) Overtaking on the left along highways going out of towns and major cities.

In Malaysia, highways or roads out of towns, follow a speed limit of 70 km/h. Should a driver be driving in such an area, under the speed normally followed is 70 km/h or even higher, to overtake on the left, I would say would be slightly more dangerous.

However, my opinion is that it can still be done. But, extreme care and precautions should be taken. Only if a driver is absolutely certain that it is safe to overtake on the left hand side, it is best that this manner of driving, that is overtaking on the left, should I feel not be adopted at all.

As they say, refrain from doing it rather than to regret an accident happening later. However, if you should decide to overtake on the left hand side, and you proceed on to cause an accident in doing so, section 119 (2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 or the Akta Pengangkutan Jalan (A.P.J) 1987 will go on to fault you for the offence and you will be slapped with a RM300 fine.

3) Overtaking along an expressway or highway.

Should overtaking on the left along expressway or highways be done or encouraged? Be it be known that along such highways as described above, the maximum speed limit there is 110 km/h. The left lane on such highways or expressways, such as the East-West Highway, the Karak Highway and the North-South Highway to Ipoh for instance, is actually the “road shoulder” or the “slow lane” itself.

At speed of over 110 km/h or more, overtaking via the left lane, is very dangerous and is never to be encouraged at all!

Furthermore, there might be stranded or broken down vehicles left on the slow lane, which is on the left of the expressway. At night especially, where visibility is extremely bad, accidents can likely happen.

So therefore, it is my personal opinion, that drivers, be it from our country, Malaysia, or for that matter anywhere else the world over, should refrain from overtaking on the left side of expressways and highways.

I would implore you as drivers, for your own good and safety of you and your family, not to overtake on the left! Stick to overtaking on the right, which is incidentally the correct way to overtake though. As to whether you choose to follow my advice or otherwise is actually solely up to you and you alone! Do think about it!

Although the question of “health” has been touched up on time and again in other articles, elsewhere in this blog, to mention about it once again is never a waste of time.

“Health” may be an important aspect, especially when someone intends to secure a driving license in Malaysia. But unfortunately, not many are aware or sure what health requirements are actually required by the authorities concerned.

Besides requirements on health, there are also a few important aspects or things which a driver or motorist in Malaysia should possess, should they aspire to get a driving license here in Malaysia.

Briefly, amongst some of the requirements must surely be:-

1) Age factor.

In Japan, it is said, drivers should ideally attain the age of 18 before they can learn how to drive. In Malaysia however, a person should be 16 to be able to get a motorcycle(B2) driving license. 17 happens to be the age to obtain a car driving (D) license. For larger vehicles, such as lorries, trailers and bull dozers, the law here requires one to be 21 years of age.

2) Having good vision or eyesight.

It is important that drivers and motorcyclists be able to see well. One has to see “traffic lights”, traffic cops directing traffic, road signs, pedestrians crossing the road and traffic lights as well. Inability to see well will cause a driver or motorist a lot of problems.

One important aspect the Road Transport Department carries out on potential candidates who aspire to obtain a driving license is a “colour blind test”. This is an 8 question objective test on colours, conducted prior to sitting for the 50 questions computer objective test.

A person failing to pass the “colour blind test” will have to go to the J.P.J state office to be interviewed by a top officer. The officer will then direct one to the nearest government clinic or hospital for further eye tests.

The above colour blind test was reputed to have been introduced by a Japanese doctor, Dr. Isihara, in 1917. Basically, the colour blind test, tests a potential student’s ability to decipher important colours such as red, green and yellow, which is incidentally, the colours of a traffic light.

3) The ability to hear well.

The ability to hear well is obviously very important to a driver or a motorcyclist. The ability to hear will be a warning to horns, police sirens and other important sounds such as vehicles approaching from the rear and tyres which have sustained damage.

Early detection of engine failures, fan belts bursting and other assorted damages normally associated with mechanical failures, will obviously go a long way to assist a driver detect potential problems facing a driver.

Although the Road Transport Department does not specially conduct a hearing test for potential candidates, nevertheless the onus is on a candidate himself or herself to ensure that he or she can “hear” reasonably well. A candidate who is hard of hearing is advised to ideally procure a good set of hearing aid available in the market today.

A good set of hearing aid can sometimes cost quite a huge sum of money. But, it should be reiterated that it is an investment that’s worthwhile investing in.

4) Possess a careful disposure.

Accidents can easily happen if one is not a careful person. As such, it goes a long way to avoid a driver getting into unwanted incidents if one is a careful driver, nevertheless. Amongst the things a driver should be careful of are:
i. Drive carefully especially when one is tired.

ii. Be extra careful especially when driving at “mid night”. Drivers tend to be unable to see well and are slow to react to emergency situations. The chances of accidents happening at such times are very high.

If a driver is extremely sleepy, the best advice that can be given is to stop at the road side at a safe place and rest for a short while. The dangers to the driver himself and to other road users as well, is believe me, is very high indeed.

iii. Ensure that you have enough rest or sleep prior to getting out on a long distance journey.

iv. Avoid consuming medications as this is said to be able to cause drowsiness.

v. Avoid driving too long a duration. Take periodic rests along Rest and recreation spots (R&R) which dot our expressways nowadays. Take a short rest. Take some hot drinks such as Milo, Horlicks or Ovaltine.

vi. Avoid driving late into the night. A driver tends to feel sleepy at such times.

vii. Change driver while driving long distances. A driver is much more alert if such a procedure is adopted.

viii. Listening to the radio, eating some sweets and tid bits are but a few ways to help keep a driver awake, when tired.

ix. Winding down side windows to get a wisp of fresh air outside will go a long way to freshen up a tired and sleepy driver. Do think about it!

5) Not on medication.

Any medication should first of all be approved or prescribed by a medical doctor. Certain pills and cough drop mixtures can cause “drowsiness”. A driver should be aware of the side effects which can be brought about of certain medication.

6) Stable emotional feelings.

Emotional feelings such as composure, worry, and tension amongst other things which can affect a driver’s ability to drive well. See to it that the above feelings do not affect your ability to drive well.

There are a few other things which a driver should be aware of:
i. If you’re sick and unable to drive, do not attempt to drive further.

ii. Avoid driving after you have consumed alcohol and taken medication.

iii. Avoid taking a lift from someone who has just taken a drink.

Although it is not compulsory for a potential student who wishes to be a driver to undergo a medical examination by a panel of doctors, nevertheless it is always better for one to undergo a medical check up if he or she possibly can. Whatever it is, a driver who intends to take up a license to drive public service vehicles like taxies and buses should first of all ensure that he is medically fits.

7) Correct attitude and safety.

A good driver should possess the correct attitude and be a driver who is considerate. The ability to drive well will only be incalculated through years of driving experience. A driver should possess certain qualities which will go towards making a person a competent and good driver.

A driver has to be responsible for the welfare of his fellow passengers as well as other users too. Children, disabled persons, old folks, cyclists and even animals are all a driver’s ambit of responsibility.

A driver should infact give a 100% concentration whilst driving, any slight mistake can cause accidents. Therefore, if one should be unwell, or agitated, worried or even mentally disturbed, avoid driving if you can.

Doing something else instead driving, like using a hand phone or listening to the radio and looking at maps for directions can all contribute towards uncalled for accidents.

Do not drive if a person has used “drugs”. If one has used medications without prior approval from a medical authority, avoid driving if you possibly can.

8) Plan your journey.

Planning one’s journey ensures that no unforeseen incidents can happen. Besides this, a good driver should ideally be capable to foresee or judge what other drivers intend to do, so as to avoid accidents from happening.

Ability to be able to be patient is a plus for a good driver. The ability to be patient enable a driver to overlook mistakes made by other road users, a patient driver is capable to forgive mistakes and bad behaviour committed by other drivers.

This article has gone a long way in providing many aspects of health which can contribute towards a person becoming a good driver. On top of that, it has also paid emphasis on certain qualities which a driver should possess should he or she would like to be a good and competent driver.

I have in fact nearly run out of good articles to pen on. While lying in bed this morning, I decided to write upon a few important things that a good driver should not do.

Hopefully, when these things are highlighted, drivers, irregardless of whether they are inexperienced or those who already possess years of experience, will take note of it and refrain from committing such offences. In fact such offences are indeed dangerous and unfortunately, many unwarranted incidents have transpired because of them.
Amongst some of the dangerous antics which many drivers seem to do now and again, are:

1) Putting an arm out of the driver’s window while driving.

Nowadays, most new vehicles are air-conditioned. Such being so, drivers these days do not have opportunity to place their right arm or hand out of the driver’s window.

My instructor, who instructed me driving, in the 1970s, used to advise me, never to place my arm or hand out of the window while the car is in motion. Such action, my instructor, Mr. Tew Hock Lai, reiterated, is very dangerous.

Why do some drivers insist on doing these things even though it is a dangerous thing to do? You see, some drivers “smoke” as they drive. Drivers who wish to smoke a cigarette, should in fact stop momentarily at the side of the road, if they yearn to have a puff.

By putting your arm or hand out of the driver’s window, you are in fact inviting “trouble”. A vehicle passing you by, might accidently crash into your hand or arm that has been left dangling outside your driver’s window.

A few years ago, an Indian driving school instructor friend of mine, from a well known driving school in Jalan Langat, Klang, had an accident, and lost his right arm when a lorry accidently knocked into him.

The said instructor had a bad habit of dangling his right arm outside the driver’s window. This driving instructor had his driving school days curtailed as a result of this unfortunate accident.

Kindly take note of what I am trying to imply. Do not put your right arm or hand out of the driver’s window while the car is in motion. It is very, very dangerous action.

Believe me, as you are liable to lose your arm! You can however put your arm out to give “hand signals”. But please, take your arm or hand into the car as soon as possible, especially when traffic is heavy.

2. Not checking your vehicle surroundings before driving off.

A good driver should ideally take a walk around the vehicle which you are about to drive. Couple of months ago, a young man, roughly in his 30’s, decided to drive some family members out for some supper.

The driver was in fact about to drive a big vehicle, an “Unser”, which is a 4 wheel drive vehicle. What he failed to do was he made a mistake, which many drivers usually do. He did not take a walk around the vehicle, before he ascended into his car.

His small niece, less than 5 years old, had without anybody’s knowledge come out from the house and had gone behind the “Unser”. The man, had a shock of his life when suddenly he felt he had knocked into something as he was doing his reversing. He had in fact knocked into his young niece!

The young child died instantly. She suffered extensive injuries. In fact, the little girl had no chance at all. If only the man had taken note of what I am advising, I’m certain such unwarranted and unfortunate incidents would not have occurred at all.

So let me implore you once again, before you reverse the vehicle you are about to drive, especially out from your porch, do take a quick walk around the back of your vehicle. See the obstacles which may be behind.

Judge the distance you have. This will go a long way in helping you to do your reverse. It may only take a few short minutes, but believe me, it might save you a lot of miseries later on. It may even prevent you killing some members of your family whom you love dearly.

3. Leave your vehicle engine running on the road shoulder.

Some motorists have the habit of leaving their vehicles, with the engine running on the road shoulder. They then disembark to carry out some errands such as running into the house to fetch some things or buying a newspaper from a nearby stall. They fail to realize that their actions can be deemed as very dangerous.

Motorists, especially those who own new vehicles, and expensive ones such as Perdana, BMWs, Altis and Prius for example, a very high risk of getting their vehicles being stolen. There are presently “bad hats” dubious characters constantly watching our every move and antics on the road.

What better opportunity for such characters mentioned above, than for them to jump into an unguarded, new vehicle, with the keys inside and the engine running and driving it away. It’s like an invitation for them to drive away our vehicles easily.

Maybe, the majority of motorists feel that their vehicles have first party insurance coverage. And that the insurance company will be responsible and reimburse owners should their vehicles be lost or stolen. But have you ever thought of the difficulty, the trouble, and the hassle you would have to undergo, should your car be stolen?

By the way, insurance companies do not always pay for stolen cars. As far as I am aware, a motorist should take reasonable care and precautions to prevent his or her car from being stolen or lost.

Leaving your vehicle on the road shoulder, with doors fully ajar, with its engine running and keys inside, while you run into your house to secure something important, believe me, is not being very responsible and definitely not taking reasonable precautions to prevent your vehicle from being stolen at all.

Also take note, that you have to understand that insurance companies have the right to reject or disclaim indemnity of vehicles stolen. As such, drivers should refrain from doing such stupid things as has been reiterated earlier on.

Ideally, if a driver intends to turn the ignition switch of a car, in short, to start a car, he or she should in fact be seated at the driver’s seat in order to control the vehicle when it starts. However, a person using an automatic car will not face the same problem as would a manual vehicle.

An automatic car cannot be started if the gear is not placed in Neutral position. Therefore, an automatic vehicle cannot shoot off abruptly unless the driver engages the car in Drive gear. By comparing an automatic car and a manual car, we discover that as a matter of fact, it can be said that automatic cars are much safer.

Why am I trying to explain so thoroughly the starting mechanisms of a manual car?

On the 4th January 2011, a bizarre incident involving my wife’s colleague who lives in Pandamanan Klang took place. I will not reveal the person’s name in respect of their privacy. But there is a good lesson to be learnt in the bizarre incident.

For your information, my wife’s colleague uses a Proton Gen 2 as their family car. As the story unfolds, the Gen 2 was undergoing some minor repairs. The person repairing the car decided to start the car engine. That was a great folly. Years ago, I remembered my driving instructor, Mr. Tiew Hock Lai, advising me that one should never ever try to start an engine from the outside of a car. This action in fact can be very dangerous.

Even though I have been a driver for more than 40 years now, I have never attempted or dared starting the engine a car while being stationed outside the vehicle. Permit me to explain to readers the reason for my above fears.

Assuming that a manual car is not in neutral or free gear, the possibility of such things happening is very high. Some drivers fail to engage free gear after they have completed driving a vehicle. There lies the unseen danger. That was what happened to my wife’s colleague’s Gen 2.

On that fateful day, the Gen 2 engine was ignited from the outside. The car was in fact in gear. It does not matter which gear it was in, upon cranking the engine, the Gen 2 burst into life and surged violently forward.

Readers might wish to know, is it possible for a manual car to behave in this unusual manner? The simple answer is, indeed it could. The pictures below show the aftermath of the bizarre incident.

Gen 2 going through neighbor’s fence

Front wheel skipped over a small drain

Aftermath of the bizarre incident

Permit me to explain what happened. The fuel pump of the car supplies petrol to the engine automatically. As the Gen 2 was then in gear, when its engine was cranked, even though there was no driver in the car to step on the accelerator pedal, the car began to lunge forward, nonetheless. Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.

The Gen 2 smashed and destroyed part of the owner’s automatic gate which was then partially open and moved uncontrollably towards a neighbor’s fence and crashing into it causing much damage. The car finally ascended the neighbor’s wall fencing and finally came to a halt on top of the brick wall.

All in all, my wife’s colleague had to reimburse quite a large sum of money to atone for the damages suffered by the next door neighbor. Again, luckily no one was injured.

I would like to remind all readers of this blog, do not attempt to start a car from the outside! This is dangerous! It is hoped that with this article, readers would have learned a valuable lesson. Please do remember, if you wish to start the engine of your car, make sure you are sitting at the driver’s seat to control the vehicle.

The Cameron Highlands accidents recently killed 27 Thai holiday makers and 3 Malaysians. Ascending Cameron Highlands and coming down from it has always been difficult.

To ascend this popular hill resort, tour buses either use the Tapah route or the new Simpang Pulai – Cameron Highlands road. Both the above routes are said to be filled with many curves and gradients. Commenting on the accident, the Public Works Department has reiterated that the Simpang Pulai road was up to standard with adequate warning signs.

The double-decker bus was supposedly owned by S.K. Murni Tours and Travels. The bus driver of the ill fated accident was reported killed, was said to be a safe and experienced driver.

According to reliable sources, checks on the double-decker bus involved, has shown that the bus has been inspected regularly by Puspakom authorities since it was registered in 2007. Puspakom, privately owned concern is responsible to check all commercial vehicles once every 6 months.

When checking commercial vehicles such as buses, trailers and lorries, amongst other things, Puspakom checks chassis number, the under carriage, the brakes system, axles and flooring of the vehicle.

One thing interesting about the double-decker bus which was involved in the tragic crash was that a team set up to investigate the above crashed discovered that originally, the bus was supposed to ferry 19 passengers. It’s capacity was however increased to 40.

The team set up to investigate the above crash comprised of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS), Puspakom, the police and Road Transport Department officials.

Following the crash, the Transport Workers’ Union, its Secretary-General, Datuk Zainal Rampak, claimed that there was a possibility that the use of imitation spare parts by certain bus companies could be the cause of many accidents. However, the President of the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBOA), Datuk Ashfar Ali was quick to refute his allegation.

Datuk Ashfar said, if indeed there were bus companies that were using imitation spare parts, then stern action should be taken as it involved the safety of passengers and other road users. The Transport Worker Unions should back up their claims with proof of the allegation.

Road Transport Department Director-General, Datuk Sureet Singh said, bus and commercial transport companies which used imitation parts should have their permits suspended.

Meanwhile, the Peninsular Malaysia Road Transport Officers Union president, Encik Hamzah Masri also said the use of imitation spare parts without the Sirim stamp of approval could be the cause of accidents. Commenting on the accident further, the Transport Minister, Datuk Kong Cho Ha said initial findings on the crash reveal the ill fated bus had only one driver instead of two.

The site where the accident took place was a black spot. A lorry was involved in a similar road accident a few kilometers away, 10 days earlier. In a related development, the Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents (MATTA), has issued a warning to all tour operators who flouted the law and caused the deaths of their customers, would be expelled from the association.

President, Datuk Khalid Harun said those who did so had abuse their practice and privileges. MATTA, it is reported cannot afford to have its image tarnished. MATTA will however question the management of the bus operator, S.K. Murni Tours and Travels, as their bus had been involved in the tragic accident.

The Tourism Ministry has also issued a show cause letter to the said bus operator as well. As with other previous tragic accidents, an independent board inquiry has been set up by the authorities. The Cabinet has also directed that the above board should also look into the overall structure of the country’s commercial vehicles operations.

The inquiry will obviously take some time. It in the meantime, tour bus operators should immediately refrain from using double-decker buses to travel up the winding and risky roads up popular resort areas such as Cameron Highlands, Fraser Hill and Genting Highlands.

One thing that should be noted by tour bus companies is that double-decker buses are in fact not safe to travel up winding and hilly areas. It has a higher centre of gravity and is thus more liable to topple over when corners are taken violently.