Tag Archives: traffic

NEWS

2.12 million cars to hit expressways during Christmas, year-end holiday

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) has stated that it expects a 14% increase in traffic volume on its expressways, with the number of vehicles reaching 2.12 million per day compared to 1.85 million on normal days during the Christmas and year-end holidays from December 20 to January 2 next year.

In light of this, PLUS advises highway users to plan their journeys in advance and to obtain their digital travel itinerary via MyPLUS-TTA.

“This digital travel schedule aims to make it easier for people to plan their journey, as well as help distribute traffic for a smoother and more comfortable journey.

“It is also to prevent vehicles from accumulating in one location on the highway at the same time and possibly getting stuck in traffic,” the statement reads.

Alternatively, highway users can also access the latest traffic information through the Virtual Assistant – PUTRI, the X@plustrafik app, electronic signboards (VMS) at selected locations, or through major national radio station channels.

“The public can also contact the PLUSLine at 1800-88-0000 if they require assistance in case of an emergency. We also recommend using the PLUS app, Waze, or Google Maps to plan and check the current traffic status during this festive season,” it added.

VIRAL

BMW driver slapped with RM556k fine for tailgating

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Switzerland is among the few countries that practise a system where fines are calculated based on income. In other words, the higher the offender’s income, the more expensive the fine imposed.

Recently, a driver was fined 108,500 Swiss Francs (RM556,690) after being found guilty of tailgating another vehicle.

According to Swiss authorities, the 58-year-old driver committed the offense on the A1 highway near Zurich in March 2023.

The driver of the BMW 540d was reported to be traveling at a speed of around 119 km/h, while maintaining a distance of only 26 to 40 feet behind the vehicle in front of him.

An investigation revealed that the driver had a taxable income of 1.674 million Swiss Francs (RM8.5 million), which resulted in a fine of 108,500 Swiss Francs (RM556,690), equating to 6.48% of his total income.

Displeased with the eye-watering fine, the BMW driver, who is also a lawyer, decided to take his case to the High Court.

He claimed that his rights were not read to him during the investigation and argued that calculating the distance by video was inaccurate. The court, however, dismissed these claims.

According to a report, the judgment includes a conditional fine of 1,970 Swiss Francs (RM10,105) per day, totaling 98,500 Swiss Francs (RM505,206) for 50 days, and is subject to a two-year probation period.

He is also still required to pay the remaining fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs (RM51,290), court costs of 3,000 Swiss Francs (RM15,387), and legal fees. This brings the amount of the fines to be paid to over 108,500 Swiss Francs.

Imagine if an income-based fine system were implemented in this country. How much do you think you would have to cough up?

NEWS

Some weird laws from around the world, have your heard of them?

The road law is established to ensure the safety and comfort of driving. Many are unaware that when driving on the road, you actually carry a significant responsibility along with other road users.

A small mistake or negligence can not only cause damage to the vehicle but, even worse, can lead to injury and death. Therefore, laws are designed to reduce these risks.

Most laws are almost similar, such as speed limits and driving bans under the influence of alcohol. But there are also some peculiar laws. Let’s take a look, have you ever known them all?

In California, if there are five or more vehicles lined up behind, you must stop or give way. We agree with this law because some drivers in Malaysia tend to drive leisurely or look for rental housing on the highway.

In California, there is a speed limit for autonomous vehicles without passengers, which is 60 miles per hour (96 km/h). Even without a driver, these autonomous cars are allowed to travel at that speed.

In California, you are allowed to shoot whales from inside your vehicle. Yes, it’s not prohibited. Why? We have no idea.

In the U.S., the state of Hawaii has the lowest highway speed limit at 60 miles per hour (96 km/h). The state with the highest highway speed limit is Texas, at 85 miles per hour (136 km/h).

Finland imposes speeding fines based on the offender’s income. In fact, a wealthy entrepreneur was fined USD 130,000.

In Germany, to obtain a driver’s license, you not only need to pass the driving test but also have knowledge of car mechanics. That’s why Germany is the most expensive country in the world to obtain a driver’s license.

Australia has anti-hooning laws, which prohibit illegal racing, performing burnouts, and playing loud music. You can be fined over AUD 5,000 if found guilty.

If you get a DUI (driving under the influence of drugs) in Thailand, you can be sentenced to work in a morgue. You have to bring and clean the corpses to experience the suffering of the victims.

What do you think about all these laws? Are any of them suitable to be applied in Malaysia?