Referring to the 2010-2019 statistics by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), on average, more than 500,000 cases of road accidents were reported each year, involving almost 7,000 deaths.
Based on a Facebook post by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) of Pulau Pinang, there are several major offences that cause accidents on the road. Committing the offences can put yourself and other road users in danger.
Therefore, as a reminder, we share seven major offences causing road accidents in this article.
Using a mobile phone while driving
One of the most common offences committed by drivers is using a mobile phone while driving. Texting or making phone calls while driving is very dangerous as it can interfere with your driving. For example, if you text while driving, you cannot entirely focus on your driving, which may lead to an accident.
In addition, according to Rule 17A, LN166/59, if you drive using a mobile phone without a hands-free device, you will get a fine of up to RM1,000 or be imprisoned for not more than three months. For the second conviction, you will be fined RM2,000 or jailed for up to six months or both.
If you need to make an urgent call, please stop your car at a safe area beforehand.
Running a red light
Running a red light is another common offence by drivers. Some drivers speed just when the light turns yellow though it signals drivers to be “ready to stop”. You should slow down your vehicle when the traffic light turns yellow. When the traffic light turns red, you must stop your vehicle or risk getting a RM300 fine.
Additionally, should your car run into a severe accident due to running a red light, you will not only get a summons but lose all the No Claim Discount (NCD) after you make your insurance claim. This will cause your next insurance premium to soar as your NCD returns to 0%.
Cutting traffic queues
Cutting queues is also a major traffic offence. If you are guilty of jumping the line, you can be fined RM300.
Just like you, other drivers want to reach their destination quicker. However, if you are in heavy traffic, you need to be patient and considerate with other road users.
Overtaking at double lines
As a driver, you must be aware that overtaking at double lines is an offence. Some areas with double lines are winding roads, steep roads, narrow roads, tunnels, intersections and school areas.
You must not overtake at double lines because of the risk in some areas. For example, if you overtake a car on a narrow road, you and other drivers will be at risk. If you are guilty of this offence, a summons of RM300 will be issued immediately.
Not wearing a seat belt or helmet
Another major traffic offence is not wearing a seat belt or helmet. For drivers or car passengers in the front and rear, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of serious injury and accidental death by 50%. In addition, the law on the wearing of rear seat belts has been in force since January 1, 2009. Offenders can be fined a maximum of RM2,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year or both.
For riders or motorcyclists, you must wear a helmet even if you ride in a village area. Failure to wear a helmet will result in a fine of RM300.
Besides fastening the helmet strap, ensure that the helmet is genuine and has SIRIM approval to meet the prescribed safety requirements.
Driving on an emergency lane
As mentioned, all drivers would like to get to their destination quickly. But, this is not an excuse for you to use the emergency lane. As a reminder, an emergency lane is for the authority to assist road users in emergencies such as accidents.
You need to be aware that using emergency lanes can slow down the process of assisting those in need. For example, if you use the emergency lane, you will cause the ambulance to take a long time to arrive and cause a delay in treatment.
For your information, road users guilty of using emergency lanes can get a fine of up to RM2,000 or be jailed for not more than six months or both.
Driving against the traffic
It is clear that driving against the traffic is very dangerous. Shockingly, a total of 807 road accidents caused by vehicles driving against the traffic have been recorded since January this year. According to a study, there are several contributors to road accidents. These include going over the speed limit, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, not focusing such as using mobile phones and navigation applications while driving, lack of knowledge and driving skills and traffic violations.
Therefore, you must be alert when driving and always follow the rules on the road. If you drive against the traffic, you can be fined up to RM300 or more and jailed for causing a fatal accident.
Safe driving saves lives
Apart from the seven major offences that cause road accidents, you must also refrain from committing other road offences. Remember always to be careful and obey the rules on the road to avoid legal action and ensure the safety of you and other road users.
Also, ensure that your vehicle has valid insurance. You will face legal repercussions if you drive a vehicle without insurance. To save more on insurance, we recommend you get motorcycle or car insurance online at Bjak, which offers up to 15 insurance brands. Visit Bjak.my to get free motorcycle or car insurance quotes and renew your vehicle insurance in just 5 minutes.
