NOVEMBER 16 — All over the world, every day, millions of people take to the roads thinking and trusting that every pedestrian, cyclist and driver will act responsibly and humanely. But more often than not, our roads regularly become scenes of tragedy, no thanks to distracted and careless driving.

One of the most common but devastating crimes on the road is a hit-and-run accident. Such that a driver intentionally or unintentionally hits a pedestrian or other vehicle and leaves the scene or speeds away without taking responsibility.

To share a personal story, about four months ago, exactly on July 16, 2024, in broad daylight, at about 3:10 p.m. and not far from where we live, my wife and I crossed the road near an intersection and back to where I parked my car card. Suddenly a vehicle appeared from a corner at a very high speed and knocked her over.

Honestly, it’s a moment I don’t like to remember or talk about because it keeps bringing tears to my eyes. One second I was walking next to my other half, and the next she was lying lifeless due to the reckless act of an unknown road user. I still feel the trauma every time I see a speeding car.

She suffered a serious brain injury, along with fractures and internal bleeding. It was heartbreaking going into the ICU for about two weeks to see her intubated and sedated to save her brain.

As a Muslim, I know that Allah loves and does the best for his servant. It was a moment of sober reflection. Alhamdulillah! I was very hopeful even as she was still in the hospital, unconscious for another three weeks, except for intermittent consciousness.

I cannot thank our family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors and the good citizens of Malaysia enough for their support. From the moment of the tragic accident, two people helped me carry her to a nearby clinic. The clinic called an ambulance and the hospital did its best. People from far and wide visited, talked to her and prayed for her recovery even as she lay in bed, unconscious.

The moral and financial support was overwhelming and invaluable. Our friends at Pertubuhan Minda Progresif (Subang Jaya); senior management, colleagues and friends of Lincoln University College; the wonderful Muslim group; the Nigerian Muslim Community of the International Islamic University Malaysia; neighbors and friends at various mosques I regularly visit in Kelana Jaya; neighbors and friends at Kelana Puteri Condominium; and many other individuals and groups. Thank you all so much for being there for us during this challenging time. To this day, not a single day goes by without someone asking about my wife’s condition.

Every road user needs to understand their responsibility on the road and the critical importance of reporting accidents like this so that justice can be done and everyone can feel safe and protected.

Although the matter is still under police investigation, I would appreciate it if anyone has vital information or a dashcam recording of the incident to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Hit-and-run cases are not just numbers on a police report, they are truly traumatic experiences with life-threatening consequences for both the victims and their families.

If the victim is not treated immediately, there is an increased risk of more serious injuries or even death. Not to mention the emotional pain and financial burden the families will have to live with for the rest of their lives.

Every road user, whether pedestrian, cyclist or driver, has a shared responsibility to ensure that others are safe and protected. Drivers in particular should maintain a high level of focus and alertness. Do not drive while drowsy or intoxicated, refrain from distractions such as texting, obey all traffic laws and more importantly, observe the speed limits.

In addition, drivers should make an extra effort to be aware of more vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists who do not have the protective barriers provided by the vehicle. Many tragic accidents can be prevented before they happen if drivers can be vigilant.

And when an accident eventually occurs, drivers should stop and render aid, as a basic legal and moral duty. Leaving the scene of an accident is a willful violation of traffic laws and a violation of human decency. Help in time is important and every second counts in the aftermath of an accident. Choosing to stay and help can make the difference between life and death.

Road safety is a shared responsibility for everyone. — Photo by Raymond Manuel

For bystanders, immediate reporting of a hit-and-run accident can be critical, not only in holding the perpetrators accountable, but also in bringing justice to the victims. It is important to remember as many details as possible, such as the color, model and, if possible, the number plate of the fleeing car.

And now that most cars are equipped with dashboards, capturing images of the incident can be invaluable for police investigations to locate and identify the perpetrator. The responsibility and courage to step forward as a reporter or witness can be a decisive factor in serving justice.

Road safety is a shared responsibility for everyone. Therefore, everyone must act with caution, respect and serious responsibility. Drivers should follow the traffic rules, stay focused and give help if an accident is imminent. Road users must be careful and alert to errant drivers and report reckless and dangerous behavior.

The hit-and-fly tragedy causes more than immediate physical harm; it violates the social contracts that make our roads safe and passable. Therefore, we must all act responsibly to keep this shared space safe and hold others accountable when they fail to uphold rational human decency.

*The author is Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Applied Science at Lincoln University College, Malaysia.

** This is the personal opinion of the author or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.