Cover image via HypeLiving in Malaysia, we deal with bad traffic every single day, especially if you live in places like Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur. Aside from inconvenience, did you know a total of RM5.51 billion is lost in productivity annually due to traffic jams?
Image via Giphy
It feels like every single car in Malaysia has joined you on the highway at the same time. You wonder what you've done to deserve a slow death like this..
Image via Buzzfeed
You just can't understand it – how can a five-lane highway like NKVE become so packed? HOW?!
Image via FunnyMalaysia
Which begs the million dollar question: WHAT CAUSES TRAFFIC JAMS? No it's not a stupid question to ask because… many of our daily actions on the road contribute to the forming of traffic congestion in one way or another. Read on to find out if you're guilty of any of these actions!
1. Taking too long to budge when the light turns green
Image via smh
**The cause**: Inadequate green time that ranges from 5 seconds to 10 seconds and taking too long to move from a stationary position.
**What you can do**: Pay attention to the traffic light in front of you. Get your car ready to move when green light comes on. If you drive a manual car, put in first gear two to three seconds earlier.
But, please don't be that guy who honks 1 millisecond after the green light turns on…
Image via Buzzfeed
2. Slowing down to take a closer look at accidents
Image via SAYS
**The cause**: If every driver were to be rubbernecking for the next 10 minutes by slowing down to 20km/h, you can be sure that a long line of cars will form with ease in no time.
**What you can do**: Keep moving and don't slow down! Taking your eyes off the road is a bad idea after all.
We can't emphasise this enough: DO NOT stop and stare at accidents
3. Being totally unprepared at the toll gate
Image via malaysianinsider
**The cause**: Taking too long to go through the toll gate by digging up for spare change at the last minute and inconveniencing others at the automated lanes.
**What you can do**: Prepare enough cash, know the rates! Make sure your SmartTags have sufficient battery power and ensure that your Touch N Go cards are fully loaded with cash.
If you're unsure of the rates for each toll, you could always head to the PLUS website here to use the toll fare calculator
Image via PLUS
Aside from that, you could check out latest news and developments of the highways all over Malaysia.
4. Going too slow on the fast lane
Image via Blogger
**The cause**: Driving way below the speed limit of the fast lane that is meant for overtaking.
**What you can do**: Always go on the left lane when you're not overtaking or if you plan to drive a bit slower. Right lanes are for OVERTAKING purposes only.
In countries like the US, driving too slow on the fast lane could slap you with a USD1,000 saman
5. Constantly switching lanes on the road
**The cause**: Excessive lane changing tends to disrupt traffic flow and makes the traffic worse.
**What you can do**: Stick to your lane if possible, especially during a traffic jam. Change lanes only when exiting or when the situation changes.
Image via Automotive
According to experts, the psychology of changing lanes is nothing but an optical illusion
Image via sportstao
6. Overcrowding during peak hours
Image via asiaone
**The cause**: Too many cars on the road. Yes, a no brainer, but you're still a part of that jam every single day if nothing changes. Narrow roads without enough capacity to accommodate heavy traffic and ill town planning could also worsen things.
**What you can do**: Travel earlier in the morning or later at night to avoid piling up traffic. Alternatively, you could car-pool with your friends and colleagues to reduce the number of cars, take public forms of transportation or write to the city council for better roads.
