For safety or evidence: Videos (as seen on the rearview mirror) can serve as educational tools, demonstrating real-life consequences of reckless driving and encouraging safer driving practices among the public.
KUALA LUMPUR: Videoclips of road mishaps and traffic offences shared on social media have now become commonplace.
The proliferation of these videoclips, especially of those who drive or ride recklessly and dangerously, have led to “trials by social media”, and this is giving the authorities headaches.
The act of recording traffic offences and sharing them on social media should not be encouraged in order to be fair to those involved, said Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri (pic).
Such recordings and information on incidents, if given to the authorities through the proper channels, can assist the department in investigating the accidents or mishaps, he said when contacted.
He advised those who recorded the acts of “samseng jalanan” (road bullies) or road mishaps to pass the information or the videoclips to the authorities.
“We will take stern action if videos of road mishaps or offences (are merely recorded) for content, marketing and viral purposes that could jeopardise the safety of others or cause public confusion.“We urge all road users to be aware and adhere to all traffic laws and regulations.
“We want everyone to feel safe on the road, in line with our tagline ‘Selamat Bersama JSPT’ (Safe with JSPT),” he said, referring to the department’s Malay acronym.
Comm Mohd Yusri urged witnesses of accidents to inform the police, especially the department, as soon as possible.
“It will help us to complete an investigation and identify those who are negligent or committed offences in accident cases,” he added.
However, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the trend of people capturing videos of reckless drivers and sharing them on social media can help reduce bad behaviour on the road.
“This could also enhance public awareness, promote accountability and engage communities about road safety.
“Perhaps, (the recordings) can provide evidence for law enforcement if the question of admissibility in a court of law is not an issue,” he said when contacted.
Lee said the sharing of these videos could prompt discussions among the community about road safety.
“This collective awareness can lead to increased local advocacy for better traffic laws and enforcement measures.
“Such videos can also serve as educational tools, demonstrating real-life consequences of reckless driving and encouraging safer driving practices among the public,” he added.
Lee said there are motorcyclists, especially those in the delivery business, who would rather throw caution to the wind while on the road. This behaviour, he added, is possibly due to a combination of economic pressure, lack of training and a perceived low risk of repercussions.
“Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving better training, greater financial incentives and increased regulatory oversight,” he said.
YouTuber Megat S. Hadi argued that recording incidents of reckless driving or riding could assist the authorities in identifying and apprehending offenders.
“Video evidence can provide clear documentation of a traffic violation, which can be useful in legal proceedings.
“Crowdsourced footage can also supplement official reports and help create a more accurate picture of road safety issues,” he said.However, he cautioned that such footage should be used responsibly and not lead to mob justice or harassment of the individuals involved.
“I believe the spread of videos depicting traffic rule violations do potentially deter people from breaking the law.
“The fear of being publicly shamed or recognised online can serve as a powerful motivator for compliance,” he added.
Recently, a video of a parked lorry, with its handbrake off, which backed into a motorcyclist in front of a mall at Jalan Kerinchi, went viral. The motorcyclist was killed in the accident.
In another case, a video of a hit-and-run incident in Johor Baru, in which a six-year-old girl sustained injuries to her shoulder blades and face, also went viral on social media.
