Drugged Triton driver’s dangerous stunt warrants stricter, consistent application of traffic law

 

Letter to Editor

ANOTHER day, another road mishap on the dangerous highways and byways of Malaysia. Citizens can claim to be already numb to the many headlines detailing accidents and tragedies caused by reckless driving.

But if anything, the uproar seems to be getting louder, thanks to social media for viralling news (and videos) of such incidents.

The latest example of such endangerment was highlighted in a clip of a 4WD (four-wheel drive) that was driven with absolutely no concern for the well-being and safety of other road users in Seberang Jaya, mainland Penang.

The incident occurred on the North-South Expressway where the Mitsubishi Triton was filmed driving in between vehicles and indiscriminately hitting them.

The wayward truck was also seen going against traffic when it suddenly went on reverse gear. The public eventually was able to corner the offender at a petrol station before handing him over to the coppers.

‘Without fear or favour’

The police later confirmed that the 29-year-old driver has tested positive for methamphetamine and morphine in a urine test. The suspect was also in possession of substances believed to be methamphetamine and ketamine.

Though there were no fatalities, the court has granted the police a four-day remand order to facilitate investigations.

Compare and contrast with another recent road tragedy which claimed killed a family of six and seriously injuring a child in Kampung Baru Penang Tunggal, Kedah.

In this instance, the courts rejected a remand order for the lorry driver who is suspected of causing death with dangerous or reckless driving.

The reason for that being is that the suspect possessed a valid driver’s license and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs (the urine test was negative).

What many citizens are asking is why the discrepancy? Yes, the latter cases did not involve driving while intoxicated but there was a tragic loss of lives.

The former may have been drug-addled and drove like a lunatic but his action did not cause any fatalities.

It is my humble opinion that remand orders should not be dependent on whether the driver was intoxicated. It is enough that the case is being investigated for reckless and dangerous driving.

With fatal road accidents taking centre stage of late and demands that errant drivers be charged with murder, what is there to stop the lorry driver in the Kedah accident from escaping the clutches of the law given he has still has three out of seven traffic summonses pending?

Fairness across the board

I may be the odd one to go against 99% of public opinion which vouched for the soil-laden lorry driver’s innocence in the crash with one newly-delivered Proton X50 which swayed into the lorry’s path, thus killing six out of the seven car occupants.

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of consistent application of the law. The authorities must be cognisant of this need for consistency, not only in assuring the public of the fairness of the application of the law but also to send a clear signal to all potential road offenders.

Firstly, motorists involved in road mishaps such as the examples above will need to know that they are likely to be detained on remand. This alone will underline the seriousness of the offence.

Secondly, it is suggested that new legislation be drafted to curtail incidents of driving while intoxicated.

Stricter punishment and perhaps even public shaming should be considered to reduce such tragedies. Public sentiment is that the Attorney-General Chambers (AGC) should throw the book at them.

Thirdly, enforcement agencies such as Road Transport Department (JPJ) need to step up their game to ensure all vehicles, especially heavy vehicles, pass the necessary road worthiness tests.

These may be oft-repeated suggestions but the latest incidents highlight the need for consistency.

For far too long, Malaysian road accident statistics resemble those from war zones. Don’t let more similar incidents be the catalyst as the time for change is now. 

A Conscientious Driver
Petaling Jaya

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.