Being under the influence of alcohol impairs driving skills and increases accident risk. It not only puts you in danger but other road users as well. Even so, there are many cases involving those driving under alcohol influence.
For the record, more than 60 cases were recorded during the first half of 2020, with 3 deaths. The cases show an increase since 2018 (60 cases, 3 deaths) and 2019 (56 cases, 4 deaths).
Cases of drunk-driving accidents
The followings are examples of drunk-driving accidents:
1. 12 Mac 2022 – A motorcyclist died at the scene after being run by a drunk Myvi driver in Jalan Kuching.
2. 13 Feb 2021 – A police officer died at the scene after getting involved in an accident with an allegedly drunk driver in Kluang.
3. 1 Mac 2021 – A man died after his motorcycle was run from behind by an MPV drunk driver before being dragged about 1.5 km.
4. 22 Sept 2020 – A student died after being a victim of an alleged drunk Myvi driver.
Drunk-driving accident insurance claims
Insurance is designed to offer coverage against vehicle damage due to an accident. However, does it cover an accident involving a drunk driver?
In Malaysia, driving under the influence of alcohol is a general exception to car insurance.
The insurance company doesn’t cover vehicle or property damage due to alcohol influence. However, they will pay the cost of the injury as well as the damage suffered by the third party.
But, please note that the insurer is eligible to reclaim the amount insured.
You policy may be cancelled. You also have to pay double the insured amount afterward.
Give a scenario: A drunk driver damaged a third-party vehicle and injured 2 other victims in the vehicle. The victim’s family has proceeded to sue the driver. As a result, the court allows compensation to be claimed by the victim.
The insurance company will pay the compensation first to the third party.
However, the driver will have to pay back the amount of the compensation and the legal costs as well to the insurer. As explained, driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the insurance exclusions.
*Note: The amount of compensation given varies according to the insurance company.
Don’t drive under alcohol influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol is very dangerous and potentially harmful.
Anyone found guilty of doing so could be subject to severe legal action by the authorities. In addition, their driving license could be suspended for several years.
Therefore, please avoid driving if you are already under the influence of alcohol.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s largest car insurance comparison sites. Get free quotes at Bjak and renew car insurance and road tax online in just 5 minutes.
Baca juga:
