When referring to driving styles among road users, many are sceptical towards females’ skills rather than males’. Some assume that females’ driving skills are more dangerous and unsafe.
Male road accident rate higher than female
However, according to Utusan Malaysia’s recent report, the statistic revealed that male drivers recorded higher accident cases than their female counterparts.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigations and Enforcement chief assistant director Superintendent Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said male drivers retained the highest number of road accidents with a total of 19,077 injured cases. Meanwhile, cases involving females were only 3,992.
He said the statistic was accumulated in three years, from 2018 to 2021. The number of male drivers involved in road crashes was 2.4 times higher than females.
“Men had an average road accident rate of 1,351.74 per 100,000 population compared to 537.97 for women. This proves that male drivers are 2.4 times riskier than female drivers.”
Factors contributing to road accidents
However, Dr Bakri explained that several factors contributed to the risks.
Among the contributing factors are most men are the head of the household. Therefore, men will drive more frequently compared to their wives.
“The risk is attributed to the exposure of men being on the road. Most of them are the head of the household who have to go out for work. In families, the husbands will drive more frequently than their wives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) road safety specialist Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the higher accident rate against female drivers was also primarily contributed to male drivers who drive long distances.
“Most men who work as lorry drivers need to drive long distances frequently, increasing the risk of accidents.
“But there is no denying the aggressive nature of male drivers that are more than their female counterparts contributes to the number of accidents,” he added.
More deaths are reported among male drivers
The Royal Police Malaysia (PDRM) statistics revealed significant differences in mortality rates between male and female drivers. According to the statistic, the death rate for male drivers is higher at 3,965 cases compared to 574 cases for female drivers.
Dr Bakri said the different features between males and females, such as the perception of safety and comfort of own car, influence their driving skills. Nevertheless, road accidents happen regardless of one’s gender.
He said the ‘overconfident’ attitude contributes to road accidents, besides other factors such as driving while using a mobile phone and exceeding the speed limit.
Learn seven major offences causing road accidents
Bjak has explained the major offences that cause road accidents in our previous entry.
Read on as we summarise the common offences, fines, and penalties that can be imposed on the offenders.
- Using a mobile phone while driving
According to Rule 17A, LN166/59, if you drive using a mobile phone without a hands-free device, you can face a fine of up to RM1,000 or imprisonment for not more than three months. For the second conviction, you can be fined RM2,000 and jailed for up to six months or both.
- Running a red light
You can get a fine of RM300 if you run a red light.
- Cutting traffic queue
You can face a fine of RM300 by the authorities if you cut the traffic queue.
- Overtaking at double lines
You can get a fine of RM300 immediately if found guilty.
- Not wearing a seat belt or helmet
If a passenger does not wear a rear seat belt, they can face a fine of up to RM2,000 or jail time for not more than a year or both.
For riders or motorcyclists, failure to wear a helmet will result in a fine of RM300.
- Driving on an emergency lane
Road users guilty of misusing emergency lanes can be fined up to RM2,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months or both.
- Driving against the traffic
Offenders can face a fine of up to RM300 or more and imprisonment for causing fatal accidents, following the Road Transport Act 1987.
Drive prudently
A road accident can happen to anyone regardless of one’s gender.
If a person drives carefully, the risk of being involved in an accident is also lower. Do not be self-centred, and please avoid making traffic offences as shared above to prevent road accidents.
Remember to drive prudently and always obey traffic laws for safety.
Meanwhile, make sure your vehicle is insured. Note that you can be summonsed if you drive without valid motor insurance. For your convenience, we suggest you renew your car or motorcycle insurance online at Bjak.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Get your free insurance quote from Bjak today!
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