Last Sunday's special report, "Danger lurks on these roads", by Ms Nur Dianah Suhaimi was very helpful for those who drive along Malaysia's North-South Expressway often, especially the practical tips on "How to play it safe".

I would like to add one tip that I believe will greatly reduce the chances of trouble on Malaysian roads: Be humble, don't be a show-off.

Compared to Malaysians, Singaporeans tend to drive bigger, faster and newer cars. Other drivers on the road may not like this and a few may display their displeasure through aggressive behaviour, such as cutting into one's lane, sounding the horn, or even challenging one to a race.

Some Singapore drivers may respond in like manner - by speeding up to reduce the other driver's space for manoeuvring when he tries to cut in, honking back, or even racing against him, thinking that their faster cars can easily outperform the "poor Proton Waja".

But these Singaporeans forget that they are not as familiar with the road conditions.

My advice is to give way, even if you have the right of way. Let the other car overtake you, even if it may not run as fast as yours.

Wave your hand to say "thank you" or "sorry".

These are a few gestures I would strongly recommend to those who drive on Malaysian roads. After all, we are the guests there.

Driving in a convoy is a lot safer than driving alone. But for ad hoc business travellers, this is usually not possible. To enable Singaporean drivers to form convoys as and when they drive to Malaysia, a few volunteers have set up a website, www.driveconvoy.com, where drivers can organise and go on trips together.

The idea is to form self-help groups according to one's plans. Together, a long-distance driving trip can be safer and more enjoyable.

Chen Bin

This article was first published in The Sunday Times on Sept 21, 2008.