Behind the Wheel: Deciphering Cultural Nuances Through Driving Habits

Understanding a country's subconscious culture is no easy feat. While many might claim that Malaysians, for instance, are very nice people (and we generally are), a closer look at their driving habits can paint a different picture. Could it be that the way people drive reveals more about a country's true character than their face-to-face interactions?

Disclaimer: Please approach the following content with a light-hearted perspective. The observations shared are intended for self-reflection, infused with the classic Malaysian humor we all know and love.

The Public Lies vs. Private Truth

In daily interactions, people often present a curated version of themselves. Social norms and the desire to be liked influence behavior, leading to what can be termed "public lies." This persona people adopt in social settings is often more polished and agreeable than their genuine self.

Driving, however, presents a unique scenario where these social masks can slip. Within the perceived privacy of our vehicles, we might feel less compelled to maintain our public persona. Here, in this semi-private space, the 'private truth'—the more honest, sometimes less flattering aspects of our character—can surface. The choices we make on the road, from following traffic rules to showing courtesy to other drivers, can reflect our true self, allowing us to interact with the world without the usual social filters.

Driving as a Cultural Proxy

Driving culture can serve as a proxy for understanding the underlying values and attitudes prevalent in a society. Here are a few ways in which driving behavior might reflect broader cultural traits, illustrated with examples from Malaysia:

Respect for Rules and Authority: How rigorously drivers adhere to traffic laws can indicate the general respect for rules and authority within the society. Frequent violations may suggest a broader tendency towards rule-bending a lack of trust in the authorities or a culture of corruption.

While it's true that almost everyone has broken rules at some point — myself included, with a few parking tickets and cheeky illegal turns to confess — it's crucial to distinguish between minor infractions and more egregious violations. Speeding at 120 km/h carries a different weight than pushing 180 km/h, just as having faulty brake lights differs from parking on a busy roadside for a leisurely coffee, causing traffic disruptions. And let's not forget the "boleh kita bincang bang?" with certain individuals if caught in a compromising situation.

The authority dynamic can also manifest in a skewed manner, evident in how people often exhibit different behaviors toward drivers of luxury vehicles compared to those driving more modest cars. For instance, a Rolls Royce might command more deference or respect on the road than a humble Myvi. This differential treatment based on the type of vehicle reflects broader societal biases and hierarchies, where status and luxury influence interpersonal interactions, even in the context of driving.

And why is it often a Myvi driving recklessly? Statistics might provide an answer—it's simply the most sold car, increasing the likelihood of encountering reckless drivers behind its wheel. This phenomenon underscores the impact of vehicle popularity on driving behavior, where the prevalence of a particular car model correlates with the frequency of encountering drivers who may exhibit reckless tendencies. Additionally, there is a selection bias where certain types of drivers are attracted, such as BMWs #iykyk. Gotta love the Beemers, though!

Courtesy and Empathy: The way drivers treat each other on the road can reflect the levels of empathy and courtesy present in the culture. Do drivers frequently let others merge, or is the road a constant battleground? The presence or absence of road rage incidents can be telling.

What happens when you signal to switch lanes in Malaysia? The mere fact that you use your indicator is noteworthy, as turn signals on cars often seem like mere accessories. But when you do signal, how often will the other vehicle let you merge? Or do they speed up to prevent you from merging ahead of them? Some drivers don’t even bother indicating and just "masuk" instead, as if it's their father’s road.

Contrast this with Canada, where the stereotypical driver not only lets you into the lane but also apologizes for being in your way in the first place. How do you expect these two types of drivers to behave when they're not behind the wheel?

Patience and Tolerance: Traffic situations often test patience. A culture that demonstrates high levels of patience in gridlock might be more tolerant and composed under stress in other aspects of life.

There is a notion that societies can be more individualistic or collectivist. In Malaysia, the degree of individualism is relatively high. Have you noticed during traffic that a two-lane road often becomes three or four lanes, creating bottlenecks that worsen the traffic jam? This tunnel vision of "I need to get ahead" ignores the fact that such actions exacerbate the very problem causing the frustration.

The phenomenon above is a classic case of the tragedy of the commons, where individual interests override the collective good. Each driver, driven by their own desire to beat the traffic, contributes to the worsening congestion, oblivious to the fact that their actions only exacerbate the very problem they seek to escape.

Aggression and Competitiveness: Drivers' aggressiveness can mirror society's competitive nature. High levels of road aggression might indicate a broader cultural norm of competitiveness and assertiveness.

When it comes to aggression, some Malaysian drivers can be dangerously aggressive. The notorious "cucuk" behavior is often seen on high-speed lanes of highways. Imagine you are in the fast lane, overtaking a series of vehicles at the speed limit. Suddenly, a BMW zooms up behind you way over the speed limit, tailgating and flashing its lights, despite the obvious fact that you cannot change lanes due to a row of vehicles beside you. This driver shows zero regard for the situation unfolding right before their eyes. If you had to brake suddenly, it would almost certainly result in a crash, creating immense pressure on the driver in front. This behavior is a form of road bullying.

Another reckless driving habit observed among some Malaysians is the tendency to dart from the fastest lane all the way to the slowest one, cutting across three lanes while traffic is somewhat slow. These drivers, who seem to fancy themselves as the Max Verstappens of the world, find any opening to zoom ahead, demonstrating a "cari lubang" (finding holes) mentality.

While acknowledging that many people rely on motorcycles daily, particularly those from lower-income households, due to their affordability, it's important to address the reckless behaviours exhibited by some riders. Despite the inherent dangers of riding a motorcycle, some seem to operate as if death is a myth, treating traffic lights as mere suggestions and inventing a middle lane on two-lane roads to assert dominance over cars switching lanes. Some even give this dirty, disdainful stare when forced to slow down or wait due to others' lane changes.

While most Malaysian drivers are responsible, there are enough bad apples to impact the overall driving experience. Their actions can indeed make the proverbial "belanga" very blue.

PS: I love my Myvi. Catch me if you can ;p