Female Malaysian drivers getting more aggressive

Kuala Lumpur, March 18 : More women are getting nastier behind the wheels compared to their male counterparts, according to a Malaysian analyst.

"Based on what we can see, the attitude of male drivers has improved but women are getting more aggressive," the Star Online quoted Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim, as saying.

He added: "Hence, the number of women involved in accidents is on the rise."

Speaking at the Rakan Trafik@USM road safety campaign at Universiti Sains Malaysia Hashim went on: "Drivers who are aggressive, emotional and distracted while driving are dangerous.

"Most people will, at one time or another, feel like strangling their fellow drivers but it becomes a criminal act when you follow up on that intention with an aggressive act (such as chasing after a vehicle)."

Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, director-general of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), said Malaysians felt they were "Superman" and would never be involved in road accidents.

He added: "It's their attitudes that cause accidents. The think they are invincible, not even wanting to wear safety belts.

"Perhaps it's ego. They just want to be faster and better than the next driver."

He revealed Miros was working with many insurance companies to reward "good drivers" but the plan would have to be approved by Bank Negara.