Tips for travellers from Singapore heading across Causeway by coach

Experts give advice on precautions to take and what to do if an accident takes place

- Vihanya Rakshika

Several harrowing road accidents have taken place on Malaysia’s North-South Highway in recent months, involving coaches that ply the route between Singapore and various Malaysian destinations daily. Injuries, damage to belongings and even fatalities were reported in relation to some of the accidents.

Factors such as weather and road conditions, the quality of vehicles, and how well-rested, experienced or cautious drivers are, play a role in the quality of your journey and whether you eventually arrive at your destination safely.

The Straits Times spoke to travel and legal experts about things to consider when travelling across the Causeway by coach and what to do if the bus one is travelling in is involved in an accident.

Q: What factors should I consider when preparing for my trip?

A: International SOS security manager Ooi Boon Haw said travellers who opt for coach travel to and from Malaysia need to be aware that those services tend to be long overland journeys.

“One should educate themselves on the inherent risks associated with such trips, namely, road accidents and driver fatigue,” he added.

“(Those who) intend to take coach rides between Singapore and Malaysia should avoid overnight coaches, as the drivers are more likely to go over the speed limit and engage in hazardous driving practices.”

He also urged travellers to research and establish “the coach company’s history of safe or unsafe practices prior to booking their trips in order to minimise risks”.

Mr Ooi noted that travellers should also have the contact details of the police or ambulance services in Malaysia on hand since that would be their first point of contact during accidents.

Additionally, it is useful to have the contact of a local host in the country. The key contacts should be saved in one’s mobile phone or written on a piece of paper, said Mr Ooi.