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6 Facts That Show How Bad Most Malaysians Are at Driving

BY Team Loanstreet

Updated 28 Oct 2024




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*This article was first written by Hani Juma. The content and information on this article might be changed or updated periodically by Team Loanstreet without notice.


Road accidents are pretty common in Malaysia. You’ve read or heard about it on social media, news and other media platforms. Based on Michigan University’s research, the country has the 17th most dangerous road in the world

This isn’t the kind of reputation that we want to be part of.  Is it really that bad? Do we contribute to the statistics? Or we just naturally are bad at driving? What could be the causes? To answer these questions, we did some research on the net and gathered some statistics about driving in Malaysia. Let’s check it out.
 

What's covered in this article?


1. Malaysia ranks 5th for countries with the most dangerous roads in the world



 

Yep, you read that right! Malaysia ranks pretty high when it comes to road danger. With all the heavy traffic, unpredictable drivers, and road conditions, it's no surprise that we’re on this list. So, if you're driving here, always stay alert and be cautious!
 

2. Top 3 states for road collisions


If you live in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, or Johor, you might already know this, but these are the top three states when it comes to road collisions. It makes sense, considering these are some of the busiest areas in the country. With so many cars, motorcycles, and trucks on the road, accidents are more likely to happen, especially in high-traffic zones.

 

Selangor leads the list, followed by KL, and Johor. If you're driving in these states, it’s good to stay cautious. Traffic can be overwhelming, especially during peak hours, so always keep your eyes on the road and follow traffic rules.

 

3. Male road collision rate higher than female

 

When it comes to driving in Malaysia, men are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in road accidents than women. Despite the stereotype that women are bad drivers, the numbers actually show that men are far more frequently involved in collisions.

 

This difference can be attributed to a few key factors. First, men generally spend more time driving, often being the head of the household and taking on the role of the primary driver in most families. Long-distance driving, especially for jobs like lorry driving, also increases their exposure to road risks. Another factor is the more aggressive driving style that tends to be associated with male drivers, making them more prone to speeding and risky manoeuvres.

 

4. Who's involved in these accidents?

 

 

In 2021, the number of road accidents in Malaysia was around 370 thousand. That’s a mind-blowing number of crashes, involving cars, motorcycles, trucks—you name it. With numbers like this, it’s clear that road safety needs to be taken a lot more seriously. 

 

One of the most alarming aspects is that motorcyclists are involved in the majority of these accidents.  Motorcycles are everywhere in Malaysia. They’re a popular way to get around, but they come with risks. Unlike drivers of cars or trucks, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable because they lack the protective structure that larger vehicles provide. This is especially concerning when you consider that in 2023 alone, there were approximately 600,000 road accidents, leading to 6,443 deaths.

 

5. The main causes of accidents


 

The main reasons for road accidents in Malaysia aren’t too surprising: speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and running red lights. These are all behaviours that can cause a lot of harm on the road.

 

Whether you're rushing to get somewhere or trying to beat a traffic light, it’s better to play it safe. Speed limits and traffic lights are there for a reason, and following them can help make the roads safer for everyone.

 

6. Thousands of summonses were issued


Since 2018, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has reported that a staggering 175,909 summonses involving commercial vehicles remain unpaid. JPJ’s senior enforcement director, Datuk Lokman Jamaan, revealed that Selangor leads the list with a whopping 61,940 unpaid summonses, each reaching up to RM 300. These numbers don’t just represent money owed—they highlight a troubling disregard for traffic laws and safety regulations.

 

The JPJ has been cracking down on these offenders, with plans to launch a large-scale operation to ensure that companies with outstanding summonses pay up. Lokman emphasized that while a grace period is usually given, many have failed to settle their dues. This negligence can lead to serious consequences, especially as the authorities are now intensifying enforcement
 

Why insurance is a must for every driver



Looking at the statistics above, we can say that road accidents can happen at any time and to anyone. No matter how safe you’re trying to be, there’s still a chance that you could be involved in one because you’re not the only person on the road and we can’t control how other people drive/ride. 

 

This is why you need insurance to protect your vehicle and act as your financial cushion. So, if you haven’t renewed your road tax and insurance for your car or motorcycle, no need to beratur or hire a runner anymore. Just head over to Loanstreet to get it done - it’ll only take 5 minutes of your time.

 

Stay safe, everyone!
 

*The above article is intended for informational purposes only. Loanstreet accepts no responsibility for loss that may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.

 

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Team Loanstreet

Run by a professional human-sized team, get resourceful tips & guides from our very own library of financial articles that can help improve your financial lifestyle & make a well-informed money decision. We strive to provide you with the best service in helping you to get the most out of that DUIT!

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