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.

To date, I have written over 400 articles for Driving School Malaysia Blog.

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.