Mobile phone use while driving is a dangerous offence due to its potential for causing distracted driving and crashes.
Don’t turn a blind eye to this! Don’t use a mobile phone while driving. Doing so not only endangers yourself but other road users as well.
To your knowledge, an individual who uses a mobile phone is 23 times more likely to have an accident than someone who does not use it.
Concern from JPJ Wilayah Persekutuan
This is following a recent statement issued by the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Road Transport Department (JPJ) regarding the danger of using a mobile phone while driving.
JPJ has raised its concern that such a habit is influential to increase accident risk by up to 2300% among young and elderly drivers.
In addition, it is also 6 times more likely to participate in an accident than a drunk driver.
Penalty for the offense of using a mobile phone while driving
To your knowledge, using a mobile phone while driving is an offence under method 17A, LN166/59. The offence is a non-compoundable summon and will require a court settlement.
If convicted, you are liable for a fine of up to RM1,000 or imprisonment of not more than three months.
For a second conviction, the convicted are liable for a fine of up to RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.
Why is it dangerous to use a mobile phone while driving?
However, this may still seem trivial to some people.
Cell phones are distracting, pulling our attention away from our focus on the road. Beware! This distraction can further harm not only you but other motorists as well.
Such distraction can be deadly. The following distractions can increase the likelihood of a car accident.
- Lose focus while driving
- Unable to control steering wheel
- Emotional disturbance
- Interruption of response during an accident
What can you do to stay safe on the road?
The following are some practical safety tips that you can follow to reduce accident tendencies.
- Follow the three-second rule to keep safe distance between vehicles
- Use turn signal when overtaking or making u-turn
- Do not cross over double white lines
- Don’t drive in the wrong direction
- Don’t drive under drugs influence
- Stop at the red light
- Be aware of motorcycles and your vehicle blind spot
- Drive within speed
- Practice good driver behaviour , use car horns when necessary
- Ensure your vehicle brake, windscreen wiper and turn signals work properly
Obey the traffic rules
When people think about where car accidents occur, highways and interstates often come to mind. Therefore, as a prudent road user, please practice safe driving for mutual safety on the road.
Keep your focus on the road – turn your mobile phone off. Using a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands-free, is distracting and dangerous to any driver. Your safety comes first!
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