Taranjiv Singh is a law graduate who once served in Malaysia’s biggest broadcasting company.
While exploring his farming venture, the 40-year-old started driving for an e-hailing company in August last year.
Taranjiv shares his tales with Twentytwo13. This week, he shares his conversations about how the challenges in life are affecting the attitudes of Malaysians on the road.
“I was driving in my lane, adhering to the speed limit on the leftmost lane, when suddenly, a motorcyclist started honking at me, cursing, while at it.
As we stopped at the traffic light, he continued raising his voice. I wound down the window and asked: ‘Kenapa abang marah sangat nie?’
He replied: ‘Jalan slow sangat la’
I replied: ‘Maaf la kalau bawa ikut speed limit. Tak perlu marah-marah bro.’
He muttered something and rode off.
I then had to endure the next 15 minutes pacifying my passenger who was rattled by the honking and profanities hurled at us by the motorcyclist.
Do you realise that people are getting more and more agitated and irritated on the roads these days? I notice this on a daily basis, where middle fingers and shouts of ‘bodoh’ (stupid) would be flying in the air, and impromptu races on public roads, just because one person refuses to give way.
We also see some drivers deliberately pushing other vehicles off their lanes, and driving at high speeds and in a dangerous manner.
Some don’t use their indicators before turning at a junction, much to the frustration of others. While deemed petty, the act of not giving ample notice before turning can turn into a heated argument.
In recent days, we have read and heard about aggressive riders and drivers, but I think it’s equally important to understand why people are often angry when they are on the road.
Having spoken to some of my passengers, many agree that it boils down to stress – from financial issues to wasting time in hours-long traffic congestion.
Times are bad for most people, and different people face different challenges in life. Some are forced to spend long hours on the road, just to put food on the table.
The erratic traffic situation, often made worse when it rains, also raises blood levels. I’ve seen some drivers finding comfort in singing their hearts out. Most tend to scroll on their mobile phones. I, for one, would find an eatery nearby and have a drink or meal while waiting for traffic to ease. It makes no sense to be stuck in gridlock.
There are some drivers and motorcyclists who believe that revving their cars or bikes while burning rubber makes up for their mundane life behind the desk. These people need to find a new hobby, one that doesn’t cause a nuisance or threaten the safety of others.
Some of my passengers stress that being mean on the road is inexcusable, with one passenger describing it as ‘kurang ajar’.
Regardless of challenges in life, we shouldn’t take it out on others on the streets. It is also not cool to start attacking someone just because he was ‘driving too slow’, or for cutting into your lane.
I believe everyone needs an outlet. When I have the time, I go for a jog. I’m also at peace when I’m working on the farm.
I suggest that you find a healthy outlet to release all that stress. It will do you good.”
