The sight of teenagers driving on our roads without a proper driving license has sadly become disturbingly common nowadays. Tuesday’s tragic accident along Jalan Stutong Baru in Kuching demonstrated the devastating consequences of this growing problem.
In this tragic accident, five lives were lost — four men and a woman — while four others sustained injuries, some of them critical. This horrific five-vehicle crash should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to confront the issue of underage driving with urgency and determination.
Dashcam footage shows a Proton Saga skidding out of control and colliding with vehicles in the opposite lane. The chaotic scene left two Proton Sagas, a Toyota Altis, and three motorcycles severely damaged.
The crash, occurring just before 1.00 pm, was so violent that the skidded car spun into the air before landing in a drain. Emergency responders, notably from the Fire & Rescue Department, worked tirelessly to extricate the victims, but for four individuals, it was already too late.
The fifth casualty died at the hospital. The accident’s impact extends far beyond the lives lost and injured; it is a sobering reminder of the grave dangers posed by underage and unlicensed drivers.
This accident is not an isolated case. Across our country, underage individuals behind the wheel have become a persistent issue. Whether it’s due to thrill-seeking, peer pressure, or parental negligence, the core problem is a culture that too often turns a blind eye to such behaviour.
Parents, in some cases, even allow or enable their underage children to drive, either out of convenience or misplaced trust. At the same time, the enforcement of driving laws frequently lacks the consistency needed to deter violations effectively.
Underage drivers are not only unprepared to handle the complexities of the road but also lack the maturity to make responsible decisions in high-pressure situations. This puts everyone — pedestrians, passengers, and other road users — at risk.
The accident, which claimed the lives of five innocent individuals, demonstrated the dangers posed by such recklessness.
What can be done to prevent such tragedies in the future? First and foremost, there must be stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Authorities need to increase surveillance and roadblocks to identify and penalize underage drivers.
This includes holding parents accountable when their children are caught driving without a license. Tougher penalties, including fines and mandatory education programs for drivers and their guardians, could serve as effective deterrents.
Secondly, education is key. Schools, community groups, and local authorities should collaborate to raise awareness about the dangers of underage driving.
Young people need to understand that driving is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities. Public campaigns — through social media, traditional media, and community events — can play a pivotal role in changing attitudes and behaviours.
In addition, we need to foster a culture of accountability and responsibility. Parents must recognize the serious consequences of allowing their children to drive without a license.
Communities should not turn a blind eye to such behaviour; instead, they should actively discourage it by reporting violations and supporting enforcement efforts.
The tragedy at Jalan Stutong Baru should not fade into the background as just another news headline. It should galvanize us into action, prompting all stakeholders — government agencies, law enforcement, schools, parents, and the community — to work together to address the root causes of underage driving.
Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and it is within our power to prevent such senseless tragedies from happening again. Let us honour the lives lost by committing to meaningful change.
Only through collective action can we create safer roads for everyone and ensure that such devastating accidents become a thing of the past.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
