Is it age or car or road issues that cause some Malaysians to drive in longkangs
Driving into drains is typically caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles, often due to a combination of human error, poor road design, and environmental factors
While there are no statistics suggesting an increase in Malaysians driving into drains specifically, road accidents in Malaysia have generally been rising over the last few years.
Factors contributing to losing control and driving into drains
Could It Be Driver Issues
Negligent driving: Police data shows that common causes of accidents include driver negligence, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to notice vehicles or objects. A good example is like the Mini Countryman driver who pressed her accelerator pedal too hard at the junction and the result is 6 damaged vehicles and lucky there were no serious injuries or fatalities reported.
Driving under the influence: Some cases of drivers plunging into drains have been linked to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drowsy driving: Driving while tired or experiencing “micro-sleep” has been known to cause drivers to lose control and veer off the road.
Inexperience: In one incident, an 11-year-old child took a car for a joyride and crashed into a drain after losing control.
Overconfident attitude: A study found that an overconfident attitude while driving can contribute to accidents.
Could It Be Environmental Or Road Conditions
Floods: Flooding is a significant factor, as vehicles can be swept into longkangs by strong currents, and floodwaters can conceal the location of drains.
Adverse road conditions: Potholes and uneven road surfaces are a constant hazard. While efforts have been made to improve this, they are often insufficient and contribute to road accidents.
Poor road design: Inconsistent or poorly-designed road kerbs, which can vary in height within the same city, have been cited as a factor in crashes, especially in areas where roads have been repeatedly resurfaced.
Could It Be Vehicle Issues
Mechanical failure: Issues like brake and tire failure can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
Heavy vehicles: The high density of vehicles on Malaysian roads, including a significant number of heavy goods vehicles, increases the risk of accidents.
Lack of maintenance: While not the most frequent cause, poor vehicle maintenance can lead to mechanical failures that result in a crash.
