5 Common Driving Emergencies During ‘Balik Kampung’ and How to Handle Them

The festive season should be a time of happiness with your family and friends. Sadly, it’s also the time where the number of road accidents increases by ten times.

Bukit Aman statistics show that the number of accidents during the festive season last year was over 21,000 with 226 of these being fatal, as reported by Malay Mail.

Emergencies on the road can happen anytime, so it is vital to know how to identify and respond.

Here are five road emergencies and how to handle them:

1. When your car skids or loses traction.

Source: weather

This can occur especially during rain. What you need to do is take your feet off the pedals and hold your steering wheel firmly. Do not hit the brakes!

Then, control the car by turning the wheel in the direction that you need. When your vehicle has stabilised, you can continue your journey.

2. When your engine catches fire. 

Source: green flag

When you suddenly smell smoke and see smoke coming out of your air conditioning vents and hood, you need to stop by the roadside (when it is safe) immediately.

Turn off the engine and then quickly get out of the car. You should move to a place that is a distance from your vehicle. Do not attempt to put out the fire by yourself as this can be very dangerous.

3. When your tire blows out.

Source: automotive fleet

If your tire explodes, do not hit the brakes or turn your steering wheel. Your car might go out of control and flip!

You need to maintain the pressure on your gas pedal and stay in control. Slowly decrease your speed and pull over by the roadside safely.

4. When your car gets on the pavement.

Source: pixabay

Sleepiness is very dangerous when driving. Sometimes you can doze off and wake up finding your car’s tires are on the shoulder of the road. If this happens, stay in control to make sure your car stays straight.

Slowly decrease your speed to slow down the car and then steer your car back on the road.

5. When you face road rage. 

Source: the star

Whenever you are in this situation, remember that you will not gain anything by being combative. Try to calm yourself and always be the bigger person, don’t stoop down to their level.

Stay in your car, lock all the doors and never go out to argue. Approach with level-headedness and leave the situation calmly.

You can also contact these numbers in case of emergency on the road:

• Police and ambulance: 999
• Fire and Rescue Department: 994
• Red Crescent Society: 03-4257 8726
• Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan (PLUS): 1-800-88-0000
• East Coast Expressway (ECE) or Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT): 09-5479 111
• North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE): 1-800-88-0000
• Karak Highway: 09-5479 111
• Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban (LEKAS): 1-800-888-021
• Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH): 1-800-88-0000
• Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing Highway (LINKEDUA): 1-800-88-0000
• Penang Bridge 1: 1-800-88-0000
• Penang Bridge 2: 04-563 8000

From all of us at World of Buzz, have a safe trip back to your hometown and Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!

Also read: Netizen Calls Out Radio Station’s Tweet on Driving Barefoot, Calls For More Responsible Posting