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Tips for Staying Safe on The Road

Before the pandemic, road safety campaigns were aplenty. You would see them everywhere; on billboards, newspaper ads and social media. With all that’s been happening recently, we’ve stopped paying attention to road safety and focused on everything else. As we ease back into our regular lives, here’s a quick reminder on everything you need to know about road safety in Malaysia. 

The 3 must-dos

Seatbelt, safety mirrors and a clear mind. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget to use any of these 3 important safety features. So before revving your engine, buckle up, check your mirrors and ensure you’re fit to drive safely. Sounds basic? It saves lives. 

Ahem, no distractions

It’s not uncommon to see cars with some sort of AV screen installed for their passengers or drivers twiddling with their phones and catching up with their online shopping while waiting for the lights to change. If it sounds familiar, this one’s definitely for you! Here’s a reminder that the screens are for the passengers and not the driver.  Even if you’re stuck in heavy traffic, keep your eyes on the road and reduce any form of distraction. This expands to include phone calls, texting, reading and everything you’re likely to see in a road safety campaign. 

Be a defensive driver

Again, while it seems like a natural habit, after some 18 months in lockdown, it’s easy to forget these things. To be a defensive driver is to exercise caution in a way that saves lives, time and money. This means being aware of what’s happening around you and not just directly in front of you. Pay attention to the drivers ahead, be aware of blind spots and maintain a safe distance between cars. The latter is especially important as a driver in Malaysia!. 

Renew your insurance policy

The writer of this article is personally guilty for this one! With the allowance of delayed road tax renewal through the lockdown period, please remember that this delay doesn’t extend to your takaful or insurance policy. If it’s expired, sort it out immediately. “Tomorrow lah” may seem reasonable but accidents can happen when you least expect it. The last thing you need is to be in an unpleasant road situation and not have a financial safety net to help you. 

Did you know you can renew your protection plan up to 2 months before it expires? Sorting it out before it’s needed will ensure you’re always covered. Remember, safety first! 

Manage road rage

If you’ve been home for the most part of the last 18 months, getting back to congested roads and drivers who don’t meet your driving expectations might be slightly frustrating. It’s important to check-in with yourself to see how you’re feeling and manage your own emotions before hitting the road. When driving, look for signs of road rage in nearby drivers. This may include shouting, vigorous gestures, tailgating, speeding and sudden braking. 

Handle accidents correctly

As unexpected events can occur at any time, being prepared always helps. Should you get into any type of accident, always remember to check yourself first. Once you’ve ensured you’re safe, assess the situation to see how to proceed. Small fender benders can usually be sorted out between drivers while bigger situations should involve your insurance company or takaful provider. Read through a complete guide on road accident management to be fully prepared. 

They say driving is pretty similar to riding a bike; once you know how to do it, you’ll never forget. While this is true, road safety precautions are pretty easy to miss so always do your part to ensure you’re safe while on the road. 


The information contained in this blog is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice on any matter. Etiqa accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in this article.