KUALA LUMPUR – Netizens continue to debate two viral videos that saw a police vehicle overtaking on a double line while escorting flatbed tow trucks carrying two luxury cars and a four-wheel drive.
Many had safety concerns as the convoy overtook a slew of cars along Jalan Gua Musang-Kota Baru. The videos were captured by a dashcam and shared by a Facebook user five days ago.
While Kelantan police said the escort vehicle did not break any laws, some netizens felt that the speed of which the convoy was going posed a danger to oncoming traffic.
Oncoming cars were seen in the video swerving suddenly to avoid the convoy.
Among the criticisms was that ambulances cannot overtake along double lines even if it is an emergency, while others questioned why tow trucks needed a police escort.
Also, many voiced concerns that such driving puts other road users at risk and questioned who would be responsible in the event of an accident.
However, police tweeted last night that the escort vehicle adhered to the rules.
Meanwhile, acting Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun reportedly said the driver involved was given a warning and reminder to use the siren and turn out its emergency light to alert other road users.
He added that road users are reminded to give way to police escorts or stop temporarily to avoid accidents.
“There has been some confusion among the public. Escort vehicles cannot stop arbitrarily because they have been given sirens to be used to warn road users.
“The police escorts are bound by Section 21 of the Police Act 1967.” – The Vibes, July 27, 2022
