Most of us have heard the unbearable sounds of screeching tires and the impact of metallic sounds to the peace of our roads;the horrible reasons behind these is, minor car crashes or severe car accidents and sometimes in case to avoid them. Unfortunately, car accidents have become all too common in the country, leaving a trail of destruction. The consequences of these incidents are far-reaching and long-lasting, from severe injuries to tragic fatalities. But what exactly is causing so many car accidents in Malaysia?
In this article, we’ll dive into the country’s most common causes of car accidents and explore what can be done to prevent them.
From excessive speed to distracted driving, we’ll uncover the underlying factors that are putting drivers at risk. Besides all these threats, Kineflux has something unique to secure your cars and the environment: AIC Technology! So buckle up as we embark on a journey to make our roads and environment safer for everyone.
Common Causes of Road Accidents in Malaysia
Some of the most common causes of road accidents in Malaysia are;
Over-Speeding
Is a common and hazardous factor contributing to Malaysia’s high rate of road accidents. Unlike many other causes, it is entirely within the driver’s control and can be easily prevented. Despite its dangers, many drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behaviour, whether due to the temptation of an open road or a lack of awareness of posted speed limits.
When a driver is speeding, their reaction time decreases, and their ability to respond to unexpected events on the road becomes compromised. The increase in collision speed results in a higher impact force, making the consequences of a crash far more severe. The increased velocity of a speeding vehicle also exacerbates the impact of a collision, making it more likely to result in severe injury or death for the driver, passengers, and even pedestrians. For instance, at a rate of 40km/h, roughly 90% of pedestrians will survive a collision, but if that speed increases to 100km/h, the survival rate drops dramatically to just 10%.
In short, by following the posted speed limits and driving at safe speeds, drivers can help reduce the frequency and severity of car accidents in Malaysia.
Alcoholism
Driving or operating machinery while under the influence of alcohol is a thorny issue that should not be taken lightly!
The consequences of driving while intoxicated are severe in terms of the law and personal safety. Despite the well-known dangers, the number of individuals driving or riding drunk after hours continues to be alarmingly high.
In Malaysia, the legal limit for alcohol consumption while driving is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. If a driver is found to be over this limit through a breathalyser test, they face a fine of RM1,000 or up to RM6,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months. It is worth noting that 35 micrograms are approximately equivalent to a little over two cans of beer or two glasses of wine, but this can vary based on the individual’s physique and tolerance for alcohol.
It is crucial to avoid driving or operating any machinery while under the influence of alcohol. Not only is it illegal, but it is also hazardous and puts the driver at risk and others on the road. If you plan on drinking, consider ordering a Grab car or taking a taxi or having someone else designated to drive you home. The consequences of driving while intoxicated are not worth the risk.
Use of Cell Phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening practice that should be avoided at all costs! This is due to two main factors: distraction and reduced control.
First, using a phone while driving can distract the driver’s attention from the road.
This means the driver is only partially focused on the task and is less likely to react quickly to changing road conditions, traffic signals, or other hazards. This distraction can be caused by many different things, including texting, making calls, browsing the internet, or even looking at the phone’s screen.
Secondly, using a phone while driving takes one hand off the wheel, which reduces the driver’s control over the vehicle. This can be especially dangerous in an emergency, where quick and precise steering is needed to avoid a collision.
It is important to note that using a phone while waiting at traffic lights is also unsafe. Even if the vehicle is stopped, the driver’s attention is still diverted away from the road, making it easier to miss important cues or hazards.
By preventing phone use while driving, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Besides, if you have urgent calls regarding any perspective, whether it’s about your business or personal life, use a Bluetooth earpiece that you can operate with a single tap.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can significantly contribute to the likelihood of car accidents in Malaysia. These road hazards can include potholes, loose gravel, uneven surfaces, and other obstacles that can disrupt a driver’s control over their vehicle.
Another area for improvement in Malaysia is the prevalence of uneven lanes, missing guardrails, and faint road lines. These problems can cause confusion and panic for drivers, leading to car accidents in Malaysia. These road conditions can make it difficult for drivers to stay within their lanes, navigate turns, or follow traffic flow safely, increasing the risk of a collision.
Without any doubt, bad road conditions can significantly impact road safety and should be addressed by responsible authorities to reduce the risk of accidents. Improving road conditions and reducing hazards can help to keep drivers and riders safe, reduce the number of accidents, and save lives.
Ignoring Amber Light
Contrary to popular belief, the Amber light does not signal drivers to speed up. Instead, it warns drivers to slow down and prepare to stop at the upcoming red light. Ignoring this warning can have devastating consequences.
Drivers must understand the dangers and risks associated with ignoring traffic signals. The consequences of running a red light or speeding through an Amber light are not worth it.
By following the rules of the road and obeying traffic signals, drivers can help to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is dangerous when a driver disregards safety and takes unnecessary risks on the road. This type of driving can involve excessive speeding, tailgating, failing to use turn signals, making sudden and unsafe lane changes, disregarding red lights, and even driving in the wrong direction against the traffic flow.
Unfortunately, this behaviour is all too common and frequently results in accidents. In 2021 alone, wrong-way driving caused 807 casualties, resulting in 29 fatalities and 712 cases of damage, according to a source.
Reckless driving poses a significant threat to the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. It is one of the most significant causes of road accidents and fatalities on Malaysian roads. Drivers need to understand the dangers and take responsibility for their actions. By driving responsibly and following traffic laws, drivers can help to reduce the risk of accidents and keep themselves and others safe.
Driving Poorly Maintained Vehicle
Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial to protect drivers and passengers on the road. If a car is not adequately maintained, it becomes more susceptible to mechanical failures, increasing the risk of accidents.
Common maintenance issues that can lead to car accidents include flat tires, faulty brakes, and engine problems. Neglecting to address these issues, such as driving on bald tires, thinning brake pads, or with low engine oil, can result in catastrophic situations on the road if they are not promptly fixed.
By staying on top of regular vehicle maintenance, drivers can help reduce the likelihood of mechanical failures and prevent accidents. By taking the time to inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly, drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Conclusion
We are sure this informative piece will help you understand the common cause of road accidents in Malaysia. Because Road accidents are a serious problem in Malaysia that menace the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users. From reckless driving to poor road conditions to inadequate vehicle maintenance, there are many common causes of accidents that drivers need to be aware of to stay safe on the road.
Drivers must stay focused and alert, avoid distractions like using the phone while driving and follow all traffic laws and regulations. They should also maintain their vehicles properly to reduce the risk of mechanical failures and ensure their safety on the road.
By being mindful of these common causes of road accidents, drivers can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of accidents and keep themselves and others safe. So, let’s pledge to drive responsibly, stay alert and focused, and work together to make our roads safer for all. And if you liked this information, then stay connected with kineflux.