A Singaporean family smashed windows of their overturned car during a road accident. They luckily escaped after their car tipped and swerved off the road to avoid a motorcycle.
In this article, you'll read:
- An Overturned Car Disrupts a Happy Family Trip
- 4 Safety Tips When Driving Abroad
An Overturned Car Disrupts a Happy Family Trip
A Singaporean family was on their to Johor, Malaysia, for a trip on the 1st of May 2022. Unfortunately, their car took a frightening turn as it swerved off the road to avoid a motorcycle. Aside from that, their vehicle was also overturned at an oil palm plantation.
Each of the family members was desperate to flee out of the car. However, they cannot open the car doors. The five people inside the vehicle decided to kick and smash the window to escape.
On Sunday, at around 11:30 in the morning, the incident happened along Jalan Nyior-Kluang in Johor, Malaysia.
A 60-year-old man named Mr Soh was the one driving during that time. He said they were lucky to escape the harrowing incident with minor injuries.
Mr Soh was travelling with his wife, his younger sister, and his older sister and her husband. The family left Singapore at around 5 in the morning on a Sunday. They plan a family trip and intent to spend a long weekend in Malaysia.
The Accident Happened On the Road
The family was on their way to Kluang after taking a tour of a new historical Chinese village in Chamek. Both Kluang and Chamek are located in Johor, Malaysia.
In a statement, Kluang district police chief Low Hang Seng said that the driver was trying to avoid a motorcycle. He also added that the motorcycle that the car was avoiding was coming from the opposite direction.
According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Low, "Due to the slippery road conditions, the complainant's car skidded and landed in some bushes on the left side of the road."
Mr Soh said that the motorcycle had abruptly overtaken a car travelling in the opposite direction. Because of that, he had to swerve his vehicle to avoid colliding with it.
"It happened so quickly," Mr Soh said in Mandarin. "The car flipped upside down, and all four wheels were facing the sky. At that moment, I thought we were all finished."
He also added that his family smashed the windows with their might until they finally broke it. After breaking the window, each of them climbed out of the vehicle.
The Family Smashed Windows and Escaped With Minor Injuries
"Luckily, everyone made it out with just some bruises," said Mr Soh. "I dare not imagine if the injuries were more serious."
Luckily, Malaysia's Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department officers were around the area. Some passers-by in the area came forward and extended their hands to help the family.
"Those who heard the commotion came immediately to help pull us out. We are very grateful to them," said Mr Soh.
By the time they got out of the car, the motorcycle they had avoided was no longer there. People help the Singaporean family to go to a nearby hospital for treatment.
It was fortunate for them that they only had minor bruises and injuries. Because of that, the family were able to return to Singapore that same day through a private-hire car.
ACP Low called and reminded rod users in Malaysia to drive carefully and obey road regulations. People should be more careful and alert during the Hari Raya Puasa festive season.
"Road users in the Kluang district are also advised to be vigilant on certain roads where wild animals such as elephants, tapirs and others are crossing," he said.
4 Safety Tips When Driving Abroad
People must keep in mind to always drive with extra care when they are driving in other countries. Road safety experts say that it is essential to be on the lookout for danger.
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Familiarise Yourself With The Country's Road Rules
Road signs in other countries may differ from those in Singapore. Ignoring signs could be dangerous as drivers would not be aware of the potential hazards.
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Match Your Vehicle to Different Types of Roads
Take some time to find out where all the controls are in the car. It is essential to practise and build confidence, especially when not driving your vehicle.
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Don’t Drive While Sleepy or Exhausted
It is crucial to stay alert, especially when driving in unfamiliar territory. This could also mean avoiding driving immediately after a long flight.
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Ask for Directions From Locals
Do not be afraid to ask for help and guidance from those living in the area. You must be aware of any dangerous spots.
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