Ethics and conduct while driving on the road

OVER the past few weeks, I have encountered numerous unethical road users — drivers who fail to embody the principle of “Love Thy Neighbour.” Such behaviour goes against my personal philosophy. When using public roads, we must be considerate of others, not only to maintain a smooth traffic flow but also to ensure everyone’s safety.

According to police statistics, as reported by The Star, a life is lost in a road accident in Malaysia every one hour and 56 seconds. Even more concerning, a road accident occurs almost every 56 seconds.

To raise awareness about road safety, the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion has been releasing daily accident statistics since March 2024.

Driving is an integral part of our  life, offering convenience, mobility, and freedom. However, with this privilege comes a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of oneself and others.

Ethical behaviours and proper conduct while driving are essential to maintaining order on the roads and preventing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This week, I explore the importance of ethics and conduct in driving, the principles that guide responsible driving, and the consequences of neglecting these values.

The Importance of Ethics in Driving

Ethics refers to the moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour. In the context of driving, ethical behaviour involves making decisions that prioritise safety, respect, and consideration for others. Driving is not just a personal activity; it is a social activity that involves interaction with other road users, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Ethical driving ensures that these interactions are harmonious and safe.

One of the primary reasons ethics in driving is crucial is the potential for harm. Vehicles are powerful machines that can cause significant damage if not operated responsibly. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1.3 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents, with millions more suffering from injuries. Many of these accidents are preventable and result from unethical driving practices such as speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving.

Ethical driving also fosters trust and cooperation among road users. When drivers adhere to traffic rules and show respect for others, it creates a sense of predictability and order on the roads. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of conflicts and accidents. Conversely, unethical behaviour, such as aggressive driving or ignoring traffic signals, can lead to chaos and endanger lives.

Principles of Ethical Driving

Several key principles guide ethical driving. These principles serve as a framework for responsible behaviour on the road and help drivers make decisions that prioritise safety and respect.

1. Respect for Human Life: The most fundamental principle of ethical driving is the recognition that human life is invaluable. Every decision made while driving should reflect a commitment to preserving life and preventing harm. This means avoiding risky behaviours such as speeding, tailgating or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
2. Obedience to Traffic Laws: Traffic laws are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of road systems. Ethical drivers adhere to these laws, recognising that they are in place to protect everyone. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights, yielding the right of way and using turn signals.
3. Courtesy and Respect for Others: Ethical driving involves treating other road users with respect and consideration. This means allowing others to merge, giving pedestrians the right of way, and avoiding aggressive behaviours such as honking excessively or making rude gestures. Courtesy on the road fosters a positive environment and reduces the risk of conflicts.
4. Responsibility for One’s Actions: Ethical drivers take responsibility for their actions and their consequences. This includes acknowledging mistakes, apologising when necessary, and taking steps to rectify any harm caused. For example, if a driver accidentally cuts off another vehicle, they should signal an apology and ensure it does not happen again.
5. Environmental Consciousness: Ethical driving also extends to being mindful of the environmental impact of one’s driving habits. This includes reducing fuel consumption by driving efficiently, minimising idling, and considering alternative modes of transportation when possible. By doing so, drivers contribute to the reduction of pollution and the preservation of the environment.

Common Unethical Driving Practices

Despite the importance of ethical driving, many drivers engage in behaviours that compromise safety and violate moral principles. Some of the most common unethical driving practices include:

1. Speeding: Driving above the speed limit is one of the leading causes of accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Ethical drivers recognise the dangers of speeding and adhere to posted limits.
2. Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also highly unethical. Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents and endangers the lives of everyone on the road. Ethical drivers never operate a vehicle while intoxicated and take steps to prevent others from doing so.
3. Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving is a growing concern. Distracted driving diverts attention from the road and increases the likelihood of accidents. Ethical drivers prioritise focus and avoid activities that compromise their attention.
4. Aggressive Driving: Behaviours such as tailgating, using fingers to scold other road users, weaving through traffic, driving against the traffic and road rage are not only dangerous but also disrespectful to other road users. Ethical drivers remain calm and patient, even in frustrating situations.
5. Ignoring Pedestrian Rights: Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. Ethical drivers always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and exercise caution in areas with high foot traffic.

The Consequences of Unethical Driving

The consequences of unethical driving can be severe and far-reaching. At the individual level, unethical driving behaviours can result in accidents, injuries and fatalities. These incidents often lead to legal consequences, such as fines, licence suspension, or imprisonment. Additionally, drivers involved in accidents may experience guilt, trauma and financial burdens.

On a broader scale, unethical driving contributes to the overall deterioration of road safety. It erodes trust among road users and creates a hostile environment. Communities with high rates of unethical driving may experience increased traffic congestion, higher insurance premiums and a greater strain on emergency services.

Moreover, unethical driving has environmental consequences. Practices such as excessive speeding and idling contribute to increased fuel consumption and emissions, exacerbating air pollution and climate change. Ethical drivers who prioritise environmental consciousness help mitigate these effects.

Promoting Ethical Driving

Promoting ethical driving requires a collective effort from individuals, communities and governments. Education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of ethical driving. Driver education programmes should emphasise not only the technical skills of driving but also the moral responsibilities that come with it.

Public awareness campaigns can also encourage ethical driving by highlighting the consequences of unethical behaviours and promoting positive role models. For example, campaigns that showcase the impact of drunk driving or distracted driving can deter individuals from engaging in these practices.

Enforcement of traffic laws is another critical component of promoting ethical driving. Strict penalties for violations, such as speeding or drunk driving, serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of adhering to ethical standards. Governments should also invest in infrastructure that supports safe driving, such as well-maintained roads, clear signage and pedestrian-friendly crossings.

Fostering a culture of respect and responsibility on the roads is essential. This can be achieved through community initiatives that encourage courteous behaviour and recognise ethical drivers. For example, programmes that reward safe driving practices or promote carpooling can create a positive environment that prioritises safety and sustainability.

Conclusion

Ethics and conduct while driving is fundamental to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users. By adhering to principles such as respect for human life, obedience to traffic laws and courtesy toward others, drivers can contribute to a harmonious and safe road environment. Conversely, unethical driving practices, such as speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving, have severe consequences that extend beyond the individual driver.

Promoting ethical driving requires a combination of education, enforcement and community engagement. By working together to prioritise safety and responsibility, we can create a culture of ethical driving that benefits everyone. Ultimately, the choices we make on the road reflect our values and our commitment to the well-being of society as a whole.