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ROAD rage, the dangerous cocktail of impatience and aggression on our roads, has become a disturbingly common scene.

Beyond the immediate danger and emotional trauma, these incidents leave behind a heavy economic burden that ultimately affects us all.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) estimated that road accidents cost the nation a staggering RM8.8 billion in 2023 alone.

Aggressive driving behaviour such as tailgating, sudden braking and dangerous overtaking often lead to collisions and damage that require costly repairs.

A single road rage incident can set off a chain reaction, from smashed bumpers and cracked windscreens to hours stuck in gridlock while emergency teams clear the scene.

A road rage encounter may not always end in a major collision, but the resources involved such as police intervention, legal processing, and public safety responses, all come with a price tag.

In Malaysia, insurance premiums and takaful (Islamic insurance) contributions are determined based on a driver’s risk profile and claim history.

When drivers are involved in aggressive or at-fault incidents, they risk losing their No-Claim Discount (NCD), which can reduce premiums by up to 55% for careful drivers.

Losing this discount means paying significantly higher premiums or contributions the following year, sometimes amounting to a 20 to 30% increase depending on the insurer or takaful operator and the severity of the claim.

Whether through conventional insurance or takaful, the result is the same. All in all, responsible drivers end up indirectly sharing the financial burden caused by aggressive road behaviour.

When someone is involved in a road rage incident, the impact rarely ends at the roadside. Victims and perpetrators alike may need time off work to recover physically or emotionally, attend police interviews, or navigate legal proceedings.

Imagine an executive stuck for an extra hour on the way to a critical meeting because two drivers decided to settle their score in the middle of the road.

That lost hour translates into delayed decisions, missed opportunities, and disrupted operations, creating a ripple effect that stretches far beyond one company.

When multiplied across hundreds of similar incidents each year, the cumulative effect is a serious drag on national productivity and economic competitiveness.

Choosing to walk away from anger is more than a personal win. It is an investment in a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Malaysia.

Dr Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri is Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. 

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my