By CARLOS RUBEN DOURADO
brats@thestar.com.my

I HAVE been driving for over a year now and to be honest, it has been one heck of a roller coaster ride. I was recently involved in an accident and the experience has, without a doubt, taught me how to be more defensive on the road – especially when driving in the Klang Valley.

So when news broke last week that four Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (KTAR) students died due to a horrific accident near Gua Tempurung in Perak, it served as yet another reminder for me to be a responsible driver.

However, I feel that there are some people who still don’t seem to get the message no matter how many times they read or hear about such terrible accidents.

Despite being a relatively new driver, I have already noticed some other drivers’ habits and quirks that could lead to accidents if they are not careful.

For instance, I have seen some drivers drive as if their vehicles are not equipped with indicator lights. Otherwise, they’d surely use them when turning corners or switching lanes, yes?

I have also seen drivers who behave like they have more than two hands. These drivers are always busy doing something while driving – be it using their phone (which is illegal) or applying layers of make-up (which should also be deemed illegal) or something that takes their focus off the road.

It’s always important to keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the steering wheel (except when changing gears or using the indicator switch, of course) because you can never predict what could happen while you’re driving.

Another type of driver I have witnessed while driving are road-hoggers. Yes, we know that it’s better to be safe than sorry but if you prefer to cruise on a slower pace or if you’re not in a hurry to reach a destination, just don’t use the right lane (which is actually meant for overtaking vehicles). If you’re one who drives at an unbearably slow speed (which can be dangerous), use the left lane.

Oh and another reminder, it only takes a simple turn of a knob to switch on your car lights; a small action that could save many lives. Driving in the dark without your lights on could put your and other drivers’ lives in danger.

My parents constantly tell me that young drivers, like myself, yearn for speed which leads to many of us driving recklessly. And although it may be thrilling to speed down roads, we should remember that such joyride could also be fatal.

So drive safely and make happy memories on the road … and use those indicator lights!

n The writer is a member of The Star’s BRATs young journalist programme, organised by R.AGE. To register for the BRATs 2014 programme, log on to facebook.com/starbrats.