LETTER: This “Letter to the Editor” section is aimed at providing an opportunity for readers to air their opinions on current issues and other subjects of interest. Only letters sent exclusively to editor@theantdaily.com will be considered for publication. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
DEMON UNLEASHED: It is not traffic snarls, bad roads or poorly organised traffic systems that create the real chaos on our roads. In truth it is the drivers. And their kiasu “me first” mentality.
We really are the pits when it comes to driving. No excuses and no exceptions. Once the Malaysian driver hits the road, a contemptible demon is unleashed. It is the demon of impatience, inconsideration, selfishness and discourtesy.
It is strange how good looking gals or fellas become lawless, self-centred creatures on the road with absolutely no regard for anyone else but themselves.
Foreigners tell us that it truly is hell on our roads and demons and speed fiends are in control. What underlies the Malaysian psyche that disgusting characteristics come to the fore when we get behind the wheel?
It makes you wonder what happened to the wonderful virtues of hospitality, courtesy and kindness Malaysians used to be known for.
The Malaysian driver mentality has been described as basically mean, selfish, inconsiderate, smug, bullying and prone to road rage.
It is terrible, but the way we drive tells on us. It opens a window into our inner selves, in truth it shows what kind of people we really are.
In many other cities of the world we would pay a heavy price for the way we drive. Or worse, we could be banned from driving.
Topping the list of bad driving behaviour are:
- Not slowing to a stop at junctions and shooting out even when there is an approaching vehicle. The approaching driver with the right of way often has to brake sharply to avoid a collision. Out comes a burst of expletives … %$#@*^!.
- Not using signals. You are in the middle lane heading straight and the driver on the left suddenly crosses your bow to turn right with no indication at all. Again… %$#@*^!
- Beating the red lights. Arghhh, you are following the lights and this guy who just beat the red, cuts right across your wake. Heavy application of emergency brakes. Phew, sweat, sweat... close call. Too drained to curse.
- Queue jumpers. Oh these pains are everywhere. Leave a slight distance to the car in front of you and there they are. Cutting in from the left or the right just to get ahead. Dare you do this in a supermarket?
- Speed freaks. They don’t just speed on highways, they do so even in residential and pedestrian-heavy areas. These folk have a death wish. They have a date with the devil and can’t wait to get to hell. The sad part is they are likely to drag many innocent souls with them when that meeting happens.
Are you one of these drivers? Remember this month belongs to the hungry ghosts. -Theantdaily.
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