Microsleep is one of the biggest hidden dangers on Malaysian highways, often causing minor fender benders or even serious accidents.
But one man’s recent experience on the Federal Highway showed how empathy and common sense can turn a potentially stressful situation into a heartwarming reminder that kindness still exists on the road.
The accident
Last Friday night (Sept 26), while driving on the Federal Highway, the man admitted that he briefly dozed off as traffic was heavy and cars were moving slowly.
His foot slipped off the brake and his car bumped into a Proton X50 in front.
Instead of panicking, he immediately pulled over alongside the other driver, shook hands, apologised, and admitted fault. To his surprise, instead of assuming he was distracted on his phone, the other driver calmly asked, “You fell asleep, right?”
This was the beginning of what would turn into one of the most civil accident settlements netizens had ever read.
A fair settlement
Rather than escalate the matter, both drivers chose the peaceful route. They snapped photos of their cars, exchanged contact numbers, and agreed to settle things later.
True to his word, the X50 owner texted the next day, quoting RM500 for repairs, already discounted from RM700 after he personally asked the workshop to reduce the cost.
The man was taken aback. “Technically, I was the one paying, so he didn’t have to ask for a discount on my behalf,” he wrote, clearly touched by the other driver’s thoughtfulness.
Wanting to show his gratitude, he even transferred a little extra. When the owner pointed it out, he replied, “That’s for the trouble you had to go through.”
With that, both drivers closed the chapter, no NCB losses, no police reports, but just mutual respect.
Netizens praise both drivers
The wholesome encounter didn’t just end there. When the man shared the story online, it quickly struck a chord with Malaysians who were moved by the civility shown.
Many applauded the two for keeping calm:
‘Both of you are gentlemen with empathy and common sense.’
“Not all hope is lost. Bless you both for being so calm and composed.”
Some shared similar positive encounters, with one sharing that when a side mirror collision happened during a lane change, both drivers stopped, exchanged details, and settled it with RM90 for repairs. The other driver apologised, and both moved on.
Others said they too had “kissed” another car due to microsleep, including bumping into an Audi with a Myvi. In those cases, the other driver simply let them go without fuss.
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