If you think it’s safe to have a glance at the notification that just came in to your smartphone, think again. The Royal Malaysian Police will be cracking down on drivers who hold their phones while driving.
Federal Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director, SAC Datuk Mahamad Akhir Darus has mentioned that the police force will take the matter seriously, with stern action to be taken against these motorists.
He also added that motorists caught holding their smartphones while driving – including while stopped at traffic lights or in a traffic jam – will be issued a summons.
Apart from that, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has said that mobile phone usage while driving has been identified as the main cause of road accidents in the country. This doesn’t just apply to drivers, but to motorcyclists as well.
According to TheSun, more than a dozen motorists admitted that they will still use their smartphones while on the road, despite it being illegal. Many of them also said that they couldn’t resist the temptation of checking incoming messages and notifications.
It’s rather worrying to see Malaysians spending so much time on their smartphones that they have to do the same even when they’re driving. Please drive responsibly and be considerate on the road. Messages and notifications can wait.
