PETALING JAYA: The Hari Raya balik kampung rush may be over, but for tens of thousands of motorists, the balik bandar journey could prove to be the most hazardous phase of the festive season, say experts.
This is because some motorists may experience fatigue and impatience while driving in heavy traffic.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Law Teik Hua said the return journey is a riskier phase of festive travel largely due to a shift in driver behaviour.
“Often, motorists tend to be more patient and unhesitant of taking breaks while enjoying their journey to their hometowns.
“However, they are usually more tired after days of celebration and are under pressure to return to work after the holiday.
“This can lead to taking riskier decisions when they are behind the wheel,” he told The Star yesterday.
Law said that, while road safety campaigns during festive periods help raise awareness, their impact tends to be short-lived.
“Drivers may start their journey cautiously but as time goes on, especially during long return trips, unfavourable habits such as speeding, tailgating, misuse of emergency lanes and giving in to distractions tend to resurface.
“There might be awareness but discipline may be lacking,” he said.
While the use of highways such as the new West Coast Expressway has helped ease congestion on major routes like the North–South Expressway, Law cautioned that this does not necessarily eliminate hazards.
“Traffic may be smoother but the risk is often redistributed.
“Drivers may be unfamiliar with new routes, leading to sudden lane changes, inconsistent speeds or confusion,” he said, adding that differences in road design, lighting and rest facilities can also pose safety challenges.
Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh stressed that most crashes are preventable if motorists prioritise safety at all times.
He said drivers should ensure they are well-rested, ideally after at least seven hours of sleep before setting out on their journey.
He said in ensuring their safety, motorists should maintain lane discipline, avoid tailgating, using turn signals early when changing lanes and strictly adhere to speed limits.
“Speed remains the biggest killer on our roads. Drivers must also remain focused at all times as fatigue can significantly reduce reaction time,” he said.
He also said that motorists should plan their trips wisely to avoid late-night driving whenever possible.
Suret added that motorists should stop to rest at least every two hours and consider having a second driver for longer journeys exceeding four hours.
He also pointed out that enforcement remains a key factor in shaping driver behaviour and that seasonal crackdowns alone are insufficient.
“Warnings will not change behaviour. What is needed is consistent and effective enforcement throughout the year where the likelihood of being caught for an offence is high.
“This will act as a real deterrent and have motorists behave responsibly when they are on the road,” he said.
Both Law and Suret agreed that while infrastructure improvements and enforcement play important roles, the biggest challenge lies in changing mindset of motorists.
