More than 30 Singaporeans die in M'sia accidents every year

[Darthrevan]

Some 30 to 40 Singaporeans die in fatal accidents in Malaysia every year, because they speed on the highways, are unfamiliar with roads there, or are not used to driving long distances.

 

Another 50 to 70 are injured in these accidents, over half of which take place in the state of Johor, just across the Causeway, and many of them on highways.

 

Road experts say many Singaporeans tend to 'let loose' on Malaysian roads, in the mistaken impression that there is no speed limit on the highways - or that the chances of getting caught are very low.

 

Fatal accidents in Malaysia involving Singaporeans

 

March 2011: Community leader and businessman Mohamed Abdul Jaleel Shaik Mohamed, 53, crashed while driving in Johor. His elderly mother died while he and five other relatives in his car were injured.

 

September 2010: Two men, one a Singaporean, the other a Singaporean PR, died in a pile-up on the North-South Expressway. The first crash killed the driver of a Subaru and injured his three passengers. Another car, a Honda, crashed while trying to avoid the Subaru.

 

August 2010: A polytechnic student was flung out of her boyfriend's car after he lost control and crashed into railings in Kluang, Johor. The 19-year-old died 16 hours later in a Johor Baru hospital.

 

July 2010: A 62-year-old retiree returning with his wife and friends from a holiday in Penang died when the van he was in was involved in a three-vehicle collision in Perak.

 

June 2010: A young couple on their way back to Singapore from Genting Highlands crashed their car into the central divider along the North-South Expressway in Johor. The 21-year-old man, who was the passenger, died while his girlfriend suffered head injuries and had one of her toes amputated.

 

June 2010: A retired teacher driving with his family to attend a wedding in Terengganu crashed his car into a road barrier and spun out of control. Their Mitsubishi was then hit by an oncoming car. The crash killed him, his wife and their 12-year-old granddaughter, as well as their Indonesian maid.

 

The overall speed limit on the North-South Expressway, which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia, is 110kmh, with the limit on certain dangerous stretches dropping to 80kmh or 90kmh.

 

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_726940.html

 

Edited October 29, 2011 by Darthrevan

[Blackyv]

I notice the list above are either young or elderly... could it be young lack experience and elderly lack concentration due to fatigue?.. I know my dad can't drive long distance without more stop for rest like younger years...

[Good-Carbuyer]

Some 30 to 40 Singaporeans die in fatal accidents in Malaysia every year, because they speed on the highways, are unfamiliar with roads there, or are not used to driving long distances.

 

Another 50 to 70 are injured in these accidents, over half of which take place in the state of Johor, just across the Causeway, and many of them on highways.

 

Road experts say many Singaporeans tend to 'let loose' on Malaysian roads, in the mistaken impression that there is no speed limit on the highways - or that the chances of getting caught are very low.

 

Fatal accidents in Malaysia involving Singaporeans

 

March 2011: Community leader and businessman Mohamed Abdul Jaleel Shaik Mohamed, 53, crashed while driving in Johor. His elderly mother died while he and five other relatives in his car were injured.

 

September 2010: Two men, one a Singaporean, the other a Singaporean PR, died in a pile-up on the North-South Expressway. The first crash killed the driver of a Subaru and injured his three passengers. Another car, a Honda, crashed while trying to avoid the Subaru.

 

August 2010: A polytechnic student was flung out of her boyfriend's car after he lost control and crashed into railings in Kluang, Johor. The 19-year-old died 16 hours later in a Johor Baru hospital.

 

July 2010: A 62-year-old retiree returning with his wife and friends from a holiday in Penang died when the van he was in was involved in a three-vehicle collision in Perak.

 

June 2010: A young couple on their way back to Singapore from Genting Highlands crashed their car into the central divider along the North-South Expressway in Johor. The 21-year-old man, who was the passenger, died while his girlfriend suffered head injuries and had one of her toes amputated.

 

June 2010: A retired teacher driving with his family to attend a wedding in Terengganu crashed his car into a road barrier and spun out of control. Their Mitsubishi was then hit by an oncoming car. The crash killed him, his wife and their 12-year-old granddaughter, as well as their Indonesian maid.

 

The overall speed limit on the North-South Expressway, which runs the length of Peninsular Malaysia, is 110kmh, with the limit on certain dangerous stretches dropping to 80kmh or 90kmh.

 

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_726940.html

Somehow, I believe those were needless lost of lives. There must be some precautions we can learn from them.

Example: Although not mentioned. I believe all of these involved cars selection/usage. I believe the respective drivers had no idea their vehicle not compatible for the driving manner they each practice along the respective routes.

Many/most of us aware that NSH speed limit is 110km/H. However, usual average speed is around 150km/H. How to drive like that safely? During low traffic volume time and direction it is possible. However, many/most involved in those fatal crashes are cars with cruising speed of within 90-110km/H only. That is, the car itself may not brake in a straight line from any higher travelling speed. Neither car their cars be steered as precisely as they wished at those higher travelling speed. We may have noticed that many/most newer mobile cranes/concrete trucks comes with double front axles and 10km/H higher speed limit. Those who believe their cars quite new and with good tire can drive as they like, may not have a chance to learn the truth.

Unfortunately I do not have all test reports to share. I use the designed cruising speed of that car model as the safety limit. Beyond that 100% subject to your Ba Zi When in doubt, do ask around. Especially we got internet to surf (some car specifications available on oversea AD websites).

Wishing you all safe motoring.

[VellfireS]

I notice the list above are either young or elderly... could it be young lack experience and elderly lack concentration due to fatigue?.. I know my dad can't drive long distance without more stop for rest like younger years...

I know one of the families stated above.. They were not speeding.. Just doing 120.. But.. some things cant be explained.. [bigcry]

[PowerMaxII]

i think it's due largely to unfamiliarity of the vehicles capability:

1. maximum 'safe' cruising speed-

some vehicles can travel up to >160km/h and go through crosswinds and winddraft without issue, but the lighter

cars will 'float' and get pushed out of control by winds.

 

2. high speed cruising

travelling at high speeds require quick reaction, good judgement at much farther distances,

minimum input to steering to prevent lost of control and knowledge of braking distance.

 

young drivers often borrow or rent cars for such trips and thus are not familir with the boundaries of the car and often

over-estimate its ability. they do not realise that at such trips there is minimal room for error and by the time they realise and at

that speed.......................

 

 

[Imaginary]

I know one of the families stated above.. They were not speeding.. Just doing 120.. But.. some things cant be explained.. [bigcry]

 

Then what happened?

[Good-Carbuyer]

i think it's due largely to unfamiliarity of the vehicles capability:

1. maximum 'safe' cruising speed-

some vehicles can travel up to >160km/h and go through crosswinds and winddraft without issue, but the lighter

cars will 'float' and get pushed out of control by winds.

 

2. high speed cruising

travelling at high speeds require quick reaction, good judgement at much farther distances,

minimum input to steering to prevent lost of control and knowledge of braking distance.

 

young drivers often borrow or rent cars for such trips and thus are not familir with the boundaries of the car and often

over-estimate its ability. they do not realise that at such trips there is minimal room for error and by the time they realise and at

that speed.......................

Just in case you are not aware. Safe maximium speed is subjective. Cruising speed already designed by manufacturers wear out engine fast if exceeded. Maximum speed recommended by as manufacturers (can wear out engine fast, may/my not result in immediate engine failure).

Some cars (van adapted) can not brake in a straight line from maximum speed without sliding.

Some cars can drift (still with a little control).

Some cars simply float or take off from the road like a small aeroplane, then crash or cuddle a tree.

Road adhesion not determined by car lighter or not. It is the manufacturers' design.

Many Japanese hatchback/sedan cars are for cruising around 90-110km/H. may surprise you with higher engine noise/start to drift or float.

Be careful if the car got wheelbase is above 2650mm. Road adheson may be limited especially for steep hill-climbing (ever heard some cars simply could not climb up Genting Highlands...).

Driving at/above 110km/H along NSH, is quite different from 90km/H along Expressways here. Especially the braking distance required and the feeling during the braking duration/distance quite different (enountered when a cat strayed into my path at Geylang Patah). Average driving speed along NSH 150km/H. So do not chase/follow/tail-gate others (not truth that what he can do, I can do).

It is good idea to spend some time familarising with car burrowed/rented for such outstation trip. Many years back, a colleague returned the car he rented for driving North, within an hour with unsatisfactory brakes to the car renal company for a replacement.

Generally, sports cars should be able to do such outstation trips with roadworhty maintenance.

Drive car within the respective cruising speed much safer. If in doubt, do ask the AD.

Do not postpone approaching servicing untill after a long trip outstation. The thrill less than the risks, irregardless of Ba Zi and/or kharma.

Never assume spare tyre to be in perfect condition (a friend found out he had been carryng a flat spare tyre only after he dismiss my help offer, saying he could do it by himself). I already left him along NSH alone.

[Beehive3783]

I know one of the families stated above.. They were not speeding.. Just doing 120.. But.. some things cant be explained.. [bigcry]

I have done 110 and 180 on the NSH before. Very different experiences. From what I experienced, it is extremely easy to doze off on the wheel at 110. Totally different when driving at 180, where your adrenalin will be pumping so hard that you will find it hard to even yawn.

[Kusje]

I know one of the families stated above.. They were not speeding.. Just doing 120.. But.. some things cant be explained.. [bigcry]

 

 

If 110 is the speed limit, then doing 120 is considered speeding.

[Phatgirl18]

They think that because Malaysian laws are less stricter they can overspeed and as a result accidents happen. :)

[LouislexusGS]

I used to drive quite frequently to KL for business trips previously; below are some pointers I always look out for.

 

1. Speed limit restriction: Once you drive pass the customs, the tendency to speed and drive fast is high. If so, please observe the traffic flow; ALWAYS maintain a healthy distance between the car in front of you, the faster you driver, the longer you need to maintain the gap. This is important as those with high peformance brakes also close in the gap quite fast if travelling at high speeds with the car in front, not to say normal brakes.

 

2. If you drive slow, always keep a look out for car behind on the fast lane, if you drive fast, try to be patient with the the car in front to give way to you.

 

 

3. Driving with fatigue!!! THIS IS THE KILLER...do not continue driving if you find yourself tried (closing your eyes almost every few seconds); once your mind is shut, this will be worse then drink driving. I am a culprit myself and have many near crashes which I do believe can be prevented.

 

 

4. Driving at night at high speed, WATCH OUT FOR CARS' SPEED IN FRONT OF YOU and pray lorries and trucks or cars dont fly out suddenly to change lane; driving at slow lanes; please dont fly out anytime you want as though you are in Singapore PIE / CTE. This will cause accidents!

 

5. Even for season drivers who travel to Malaysia frequently, one can tell you for long travelling; they rather not make the trip unless necessary because many a time, many things can happen. Watch out your steering in open flat ground areas (with no trees or slopes by the side) as the wind or uneven roads will throw you off your lane abit if you are not able to control your steering well.

 

 

Good luck and drive safe.

[Beehive3783]

I used to drive quite frequently to KL for business trips previously; below are some pointers I always look out for.

 

1. Speed limit restriction: Once you drive pass the customs, the tendency to speed and drive fast is high. If so, please observe the traffic flow; ALWAYS maintain a healthy distance between the car in front of you, the faster you driver, the longer you need to maintain the gap. This is important as those with high peformance brakes also close in the gap quite fast if travelling at high speeds with the car in front, not to say normal brakes.

 

2. If you drive slow, always keep a look out for car behind on the fast lane, if you drive fast, try to be patient with the the car in front to give way to you.

 

 

3. Driving with fatigue!!! THIS IS THE KILLER...do not continue driving if you find yourself tried (closing your eyes almost every few seconds); once your mind is shut, this will be worse then drink driving. I am a culprit myself and have many near crashes which I do believe can be prevented.

 

 

4. Driving at night at high speed, WATCH OUT FOR CARS' SPEED IN FRONT OF YOU and pray lorries and trucks or cars dont fly out suddenly to change lane; driving at slow lanes; please dont fly out anytime you want as though you are in Singapore PIE / CTE. This will cause accidents!

 

5. Even for season drivers who travel to Malaysia frequently, one can tell you for long travelling; they rather not make the trip unless necessary because many a time, many things can happen. Watch out your steering in open flat ground areas (with no trees or slopes by the side) as the wind or uneven roads will throw you off your lane abit if you are not able to control your steering well.

 

 

Good luck and drive safe.

 

Good tips. Especially point 3.

[Tarzan666]

My rear right tyre was torn to shreds after hitting a huge nail like object. I was travelling around 120 to 140 at NSH around Malacca, was thankful didnt skid or lost control.

 

Juz notice steering bit wobbly, from rite side mirror see smoke coming out of rear rite tyre..immediately on hazard light, slow down & park 1 side,

 

family all sit behind the barrier...call for help.

[Metalsubzero]

I used to drive quite frequently to KL for business trips previously; below are some pointers I always look out for.

 

1. Speed limit restriction: Once you drive pass the customs, the tendency to speed and drive fast is high. If so, please observe the traffic flow; ALWAYS maintain a healthy distance between the car in front of you, the faster you driver, the longer you need to maintain the gap. This is important as those with high peformance brakes also close in the gap quite fast if travelling at high speeds with the car in front, not to say normal brakes.

 

2. If you drive slow, always keep a look out for car behind on the fast lane, if you drive fast, try to be patient with the the car in front to give way to you.

 

 

3. Driving with fatigue!!! THIS IS THE KILLER...do not continue driving if you find yourself tried (closing your eyes almost every few seconds); once your mind is shut, this will be worse then drink driving. I am a culprit myself and have many near crashes which I do believe can be prevented.

 

 

4. Driving at night at high speed, WATCH OUT FOR CARS' SPEED IN FRONT OF YOU and pray lorries and trucks or cars dont fly out suddenly to change lane; driving at slow lanes; please dont fly out anytime you want as though you are in Singapore PIE / CTE. This will cause accidents!

 

5. Even for season drivers who travel to Malaysia frequently, one can tell you for long travelling; they rather not make the trip unless necessary because many a time, many things can happen. Watch out your steering in open flat ground areas (with no trees or slopes by the side) as the wind or uneven roads will throw you off your lane abit if you are not able to control your steering well.

 

 

Good luck and drive safe.

 

Thanks for the tips.. Point 3 is very true.. I myself have times when I veer off from my lane when I'm dozing off while driving.. Very dangrous..

 

Anyways, OT abit, for my job I'm required at times to escort my company's truck from Tuas to Changi Airport side, sometimes travelling at speeds of 50-60km/h, and the trip usually takes more den an hour.. Everytime almost doze off.. Any ideas how to wake myself up?

 

Tried smoking, winding down the windows, blasting songs loud, pinch my face, arms, all no use sia.. Hahaha..

[Darryn]

Just to point out the "average speed" on the NSH is NOT 150 km/h.

 

Most cars are doing around 110 - 130, with only a (realtive) minority going above this.

 

Mostly I drive around 120 - 130, and even at this speed I would guess that for every three cars I pass, one passes me.

[Caaa]

Thanks for the tips.. Point 3 is very true.. I myself have times when I veer off from my lane when I'm dozing off while driving.. Very dangrous..

 

Anyways, OT abit, for my job I'm required at times to escort my company's truck from Tuas to Changi Airport side, sometimes travelling at speeds of 50-60km/h, and the trip usually takes more den an hour.. Everytime almost doze off.. Any ideas how to wake myself up?

 

Tried smoking, winding down the windows, blasting songs loud, pinch my face, arms, all no use sia.. Hahaha..

 

Try eating - and keeping chewing. With something inside your mouth, thinks is more difficult to doze off, it works on me. However if immediately after that still feel like sleeping, then its time to take a break - wash face, wash hand. So far all these work on me

[LoverofCar]

I'm sure some shity people will come in this thread and comment that Sinkie cannot drive properly and such...

[Hermitage]

Good tips. Especially point 3.

 

Agreed. I total loss a car before 'cos I fell asleep at the wheel. Windscreen cracked, airbags deployed, luckily for me, I suffered no injuries...

 

Another thing about the report, it only mentions Singaporeans who died. What about the number of Malaysians killed? You mean less Malaysians get into accidents than Singaporeans?

Edited October 31, 2011 by Hermitage