Road trips are meant to be enjoyable, however these should not come at the cost of safety. Shown on X/Twitter, a video depicts a family of four travelling in what appears to be an MPV or van that has had its passenger seats stowed or removed.
In place of the seats, a mattress has been placed as the ‘floor’ of the vehicle, where the occupants – one adult and two children – are sitting unsecured, with the adult appearing to prepare a meal for consumption in the vehicle. Meanwhile, the driver is in position, at the controls of the vehicle.
While the journey as shown in this video clip appears uneventful, and the road seems to be clear of traffic as seen through the windscreen, this practice remains highly dangerous as unsecured occupants will effectively become projectiles should there be a collision at speed.
Bestnya, siap boleh makan2. pic.twitter.com/7WpvTQJq87
— #UpdateInfo🇲🇾🌍 (@update11111) August 17, 2024
As seen in the rearward-facing part of the video, there are sharp, exposed corners of furniture in the interior of the vehicle, which are hazardous. It may appear fine to use, until the driver needs to take evasive manoeuvres.
Beyond vans and MPVs, having seatbelts fastened for all occupants within a vehicle is crucial to surviving a car crash. A 2017 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) of the United States stated that drivers are twice as likely to be killed in a crash when the passenger behind them is unsecured, or in other words, not wearing their seatbelt.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments mainly focus on safety concerns related to unrestrained passengers in MPVs and vans, highlighting the risks of unsecured children and improper use of seatbelts. Many express frustration over poor awareness, reckless behaviors, and lack of enforcement, often linking this to cultural attitudes and socioeconomic issues. Racial insensitivity and stereotypes are also present, but the core concern remains the danger posed by unsafe practices on the road. Several comments criticize the government for insufficient regulation and enforcement and emphasize the need for improved awareness and legal compliance. Overall, there is a shared sentiment that irresponsible behavior and poor safety standards in vehicle use, especially among B40 communities, contribute to accidents and fatalities.