Sharing videos of traffic offences on social media should not be encouraged – Bukit Aman JSPT
As video clips of alleged road traffic offences are increasingly captured on video and shared on social media platforms, the proliferation of videos of this nature have led to ‘trial by social media’, and should not be encouraged, The Star reported Bukit Aman traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri as saying.
Road users or others who have recorded the acts of road bullies or occurrences of road mishaps are to pass the information or video clips to the authorities, Mohd Yusri advised.
“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,” the Bukit Aman JSPT director said.
“We want everyone to feel safe on the road, in line with our tagline ‘Selamat Bersama JSPT’,” and urged witnesses of accidents to inform the police, especially the JSPT, 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.
On the other hand, the trend of recording videos of reckless drivers and sharing them on social media can help reduce bad behaviour on the road, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
“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,” Lee said.
“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,” Lee added.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said that there are motorcyclists who would rather disregard safety while on the road, and that the behaviour is possibly due to a combination of economic pressure, lack of training and a perceived low risk of repercussions.
Meanwhile, recording incidents of reckless driving or riding could assist authorities in identifying and apprehending offenders, said content creator Megat S. Hadi, reported The Star.
“Crowdsourced footage can also supplement official reports and help create a more accurate picture of road safety issues,” Megat said, although cautioning that such footage should be used responsibly and not lead to mob justice or harassment of the parties 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,” Megat added.
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