Many Malaysians Still Can't Keep Their Hands Off Their Phones While Driving

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) ran a study among motorists in Klang Valley last year and reportedly found that 43.4 per cent of drivers admitted to using their phones while driving or riding motorcycles.

“The study also found 53.6 per cent of drivers use mobile phones when they are caught in traffic congestion; 53 per cent of drivers send text messages while driving at least one to three times a week and 61.7 per cent of drivers receive or make phone calls while driving at least one to three times a week,” Miros chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said, as quoted by Bernama.

He added that although a large number of drivers were aware that playing with their phones while driving could endanger themselves and others on the road, but they still continued with bad habit.

In fact, besides vehicle and road engineering factors, human factor was reportedly one of the leading causes of road accidents in the country, including fatal ones. But despite the danger, people still refuse to change their attitudes and it is becoming a trend regardless of age.

“I think enforcement by the Road Transport Department and police should be intensified to ensure drivers adhere to the laws,” Lee said, as quoted by Bernama.

To all drivers out there, we can’t just wait only till the milk turns sour before stopping this bad habit. So, let's keep our hands off our phones, and yes, even while waiting at the traffic light. Whatever it is waiting for you can wait a little longer because your life is more important.