Several pictures showing a row of cars stopping on emergency lanes on the Temiang-Pantai Highway, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, have gone viral on social media since January 22. It is said that the vehicle owners stopped their cars on the emergency lanes to take pictures on the highway.
Harian Metro reported yesterday that Nilai district police chief Supt Mohd Fazley Ab Rahman said that the police would soon call up the vehicle owners to have their statement. It is believed that they are members of a car club.
Supt Mohd Fazley Ab Rahman said that the police have identified 48 cars. They would call up the club head first.
Stopping on an emergency lane without a valid reason is an offence
Supt Mohd Fazley Ab Rahman said that per Rule 53(1) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, legal action can be taken against individuals who park or leave their vehicles unattended on any emergency lane, except in emergency cases.
He added that offenders could be fined up to RM2,000 or imprisoned not exceeding six months following Section 119 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Understand the function of an emergency lane
As Bjak has shared in our past article, an emergency lane is specifically for emergency use.
Generally, an emergency lane is for ambulances, fire and rescue, police, enforcement agencies, and vehicles having problems. This lane will facilitate them to get to their destination quickly without having to go through any traffic jam.
Hence, if your vehicle does not belong to any of the above categories, please do not use an emergency lane. Keep in mind that using an emergency lane without a valid reason can risk lives.
Take safety precautions if you have to stop your car on a road shoulder or emergency lane
If your vehicle acts up on the road, forcing you to stop your car on a road shoulder or emergency lane, ensure that you take the safety precautions below:
Switch on your hazard light
After safely stopping your car on a road shoulder or emergency lane, immediately switch on the hazard light.
The primary function of a hazard light is to caution other drivers that your vehicle has a problem and that you have to stop your car.
Wear a safety jacket
If you have a safety jacket in your car, please wear it so that other drivers can see you when you are outside of your vehicle.
Wearing a light, bright and reflective safety jacket is crucial, especially at night.
Therefore, we recommend keeping a safety jacket and essential items in an emergency kit in your car as a precaution.
Place a warning triangle
In addition, ensure that you place a warning triangle about 45 meters or 147 feet behind your car to ease other road users to see your vehicle.
If you do not already have a warning triangle in your car, we advise getting one at any car accessories store or service centre of your vehicle manufacturer.
Contact your insurance company
Next, please contact your insurance hotline to get immediate assistance.
Provide necessary information to your insurer, including your vehicle condition and location.
You may refer to our past article to get the hotline number of your insurance company.
Aside from that, you may contact the Accident Assist Call Centre (AACC) by the Malaysian insurance and takaful industry through the number 15500 to seek immediate assistance in the event of a road accident.
Get towing assistance
Most insurance companies offer free towing services. As such, contact your insurance company immediately should you need towing assistance.
We recommend sending your car to your insurance panel workshop for vehicle repair and insurance claims.
Follow the procedure to request towing assistance as shared in our past article.
Do not stop at a road corner
Please do not stop your vehicle at a corner or area that is shielded from the sight of other drivers from a distance.
Find a suitable location before stopping your car.
Obey traffic rules for everyone’s safety
Every road user is responsible for ensuring the safety of road users. Therefore, ensure that you follow every traffic rule and drive safely. Refrain stopping on emergency lanes without a valid reason or violating other traffic rules.
Additionally, if you notice any traffic offenders, report them to the authorities, such as the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT).
Remember, always be a responsible road user.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison sites, offering 15 insurance brands. Get free car insurance quotes at Bjak and renew your insurance and roadtax in just 5 minutes.
