The road rage or road bullying phenomenon is not uncommon in Malaysia. You've likely encountered a road bully before or heard of someone who had to deal with one.

Interestingly, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) has also conducted a study on this issue and discovered that out of 13.3 million registered drivers, 2.4 million were considered "highly angry," which is equivalent to about two out of every ten drivers, based on a report by New Straits Times.

They are known to harass and intimidate other drivers and can turn violent in an instant, which makes them highly dangerous. Road rage cases can cause serious accidents, which can lead to injuries, property damage and in some cases, even death.

  

What is road bullying?

Road bullying or road rage happens when a driver or rider exhibits angry or aggressive behaviour towards another party.

The person reacts aggressively over a perceived slight or mistake on the road, even if you may not have done anything.

Some examples of things a road bully might do to harass you:

• Verbal insults, curses and threats
• Yelling and excessive honking
• Obscene and offensive gestures
• Tailgating, weaving or speeding
• Blocking or brake checking
• Ramming, sideswiping or running your vehicle off the road
• Exiting the vehicle to attack you

Hopefully, you won't run into a road bully, but it's better to be prepared in case you do. Below is a helpful guide on what you should do if a road bully is harassing you.

  

What should you do if you encounter a road bully?

1. Stay calm and lock your doors

In the event you meet an aggressive and angry driver, don’t panic. Check your doors to make sure they’re locked and keep your windows up. In fact, make it a habit to always lock the doors and windows once you get in. This will deter the road bully in case they try to open your door to attack you. If possible, keep a safe distance from the other vehicle and gradually drive away or exit to a public area.

2. Do not exit your vehicle

If you have stopped or are unable to continue driving, stay inside your car. It’s the safest place to be when you’re facing a road bully. Your vehicle is strong and can withstand human force. It will also absorb most of the impact if the aggressor tries to cause damage.

Staying inside your car means you’ll be protected from severe injuries. In most cases, the road bully will eventually lose interest or be tired out.

3. Do not react even if provoked

Whatever you do, do not confront the road bully or try to reason with them. They are not thinking rationally at this point and this could further provoke them. Resist the urge to retaliate or aggravate the other person more even if they continue to shout abuse or attack your vehicle. Don’t escalate the situation as road rage incidents can lead to fatalities.

Instead, try to diffuse the situation by apologising or acknowledging your perceived mistake with a friendly wave. At this point, it’s not about pinpointing the person at fault as you just want to get away from the situation safely.

4. Take note of the vehicle and driver details

It’s important to take down as many of the road bully’s details as you can in case you need to make a police report or file an insurance claim later. Among the information you should note are the vehicle registration number, the make and model, the colour, and any other details that identify the vehicle.

It’s also recommended to have photos or videos of the incident as evidence to support your case as the victim of road rage. This is when investing in a dashcam comes in handy.

Otherwise, use your phone to take down the evidence when it is safe to do so, or instruct your passengers to assist you.

5. Get help

If the situation worsens, call the police for help and keep honking to attract the attention of other road users so they can assist you. Make sure to switch on your hazard lights to alert other motorists if your vehicle has stopped to avoid any accidents.

Whenever possible, try to drive away from the aggressor so you can head over to the police station or to a public area. Attempting to drive home or through dark areas can be risky as a road bully may follow you.

6. Lodge a police report immediately after the incident

Once the road bully has given up or if they have damaged your car in any way, go to the nearest police station to file a report. This is where the details of the other driver and any other photographic evidence you have taken can be provided to back up your report.

If the police find the road bully guilty, they can be charged under Penal Code Section 506 and Section 427 for road rage, where they may be fined or jailed.

  

Can you claim for damages to your car caused by a road bully?

If you’ve had the misfortune to meet a road bully and the resulting harassment damages your car, then you can claim from your insurer.

For instance, if a road bully rams into your car, you may file a No-Fault Own Damage claim, provided you have proof and the perpetrator's vehicle registration number.

Depending on your policy, if the road bully comes down from their vehicle and attacks your car, you can also file a claim.

For Kurnia Comprehensive policyholders, we offer coverage plans against malicious acts so you’re protected even if a road bully assaults your vehicle. However, it’s important to avoid any confrontation or retaliation if you encounter a road bully, as direct engagement may jeopardise any related claims.

  

Conclusion

Dealing with a road bully can be frightening, but staying calm, avoiding confrontation and prioritising your safety can go a long way in protecting yourself. Your goal isn’t to win the confrontation but to get home safely.

If things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call for help or report to the police. Together, we can all do our part to make Malaysian roads safer by being responsible and considerate drivers.

  

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Disclaimer: This blog post is strictly for informational purposes, and should not be taken as advice of any kind. Kurnia disclaims all responsibility for any losses resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.

 

Liberty General Insurance Berhad is a member of Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM). PIDM protects the benefit(s) payable under the eligible policy up to protection limits. Please refer to PIDM's TIPS Brochure or PIDM's Website, or contact our customer service.