KUALA LUMPUR: Cases of reckless and dangerous driving have increased by nearly 50% in the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year.
The increase reflects a worrying trend of aggressive driving, which could lead to road bullying or road rage incidents.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali (pic) said 1,278 investigation papers were opened from Jan 1 to June 28 this year, compared to 852 cases in the same period last year, an increase of 426 cases.
Johor recorded the highest number of cases this year with 354, followed by Kuala Lumpur (230), Selangor (200), Negri Sembilan (119), Kelantan (84), Perak (60), Terengganu (49), Sarawak (44), Melaka (37), Kedah (33), Penang (27), Pahang (24), Sabah (15) and Perlis (two).
Compared with the same period last year, Johor also recorded the highest increase with 175 cases, followed by Selangor (117), Kuala Lumpur (74), Negri Sembilan (56), Terengganu (26), Perak (20), Sarawak (11), Kedah (eight) and Pahang (three), while Kelantan remained unchanged at 84 cases.
Penang, Sabah, Perlis and Melaka recorded declines.
“The main causes of road bullying include non-compliance with traffic rules and signals, aggressive driving such as dangerous overtaking, cutting in, tailgating and failure to give way,” he said, Bernama reported.
Other contributing factors include provocation between road users through excessive honking, use of hand gestures or verbal disputes, as well as impatience and a lack of courtesy on the road.
Responding to claims on social media that some drivers use vape laced with drugs while driving, Comm Muhammed Hasbullah said the police acknowledged a trend involving vape products mixed with psychoactive substances or synthetic drugs.
He said enforcement efforts are being strengthened, including proposals to use saliva test kits and mandatory urine screening for commercial vehicle drivers involved in road accidents to detect drug influence.
Comm Muhammed Hasbullah said the force takes firm action against road rage, where offenders may be arrested and charged if the case involves threats, fights, property damage or injury.
He said reckless and dangerous driving carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM5,000 to RM15,000, upon conviction.
He added that existing laws are sufficient to address road rage, with additional action also taken under the Penal Code depending on the offence.
