Chapter 7 / 16

Chapter 7: Safe Driving Rules (PTP/CITO)

Before and during every driving maneuver, follow the PTP sequence:

P — Position (Kedudukan): Ensure your vehicle is in the correct lane and position for the intended maneuver. Check mirrors.
T — Speed / Kelajuan (Tukar Kelajuan): Adjust your speed appropriately. Slow down for turns, speed up for merging.
P — Gear / Pecutan (Pindah Gear): Select the appropriate gear for the speed and road conditions. Downshift before corners, upshift on straights.

C — Concentrate (Tumpukan Perhatian): Keep full attention on the road. No mobile phone use. No eating or drinking while driving. Stay alert.
I — Identify (Kenal Pasti): Spot potential hazards early — other vehicles, pedestrians, road conditions, weather changes, unexpected obstacles.
T — Think (Fikir): Assess the risk level and decide on the safest course of action. What could go wrong? What is the escape route?
O — Organize (Susun Atur): Execute your plan — change speed, position, signal, or stop as needed.

Maintain at least a 2-second gap behind the vehicle in front under normal conditions
In wet conditions, increase to 4 seconds
In heavy rain or fog, increase to 6 seconds or more
How to measure: Pick a fixed point (lamp post, sign). When the vehicle ahead passes it, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two." You should not reach the point before finishing.
When following large vehicles (lorries, buses), increase the distance further as they block your view

M — Mirror: Check your rearview and side mirrors
S — Signal: Indicate your intention
M — Maneuver: Carry out the action
Check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds during normal driving
Always check mirrors before: changing lanes, turning, overtaking, slowing down, stopping

Signal early enough to give other road users time to react — at least 30 meters before turning
Signal before changing lanes, not during
Cancel your signal after completing the maneuver
Check that your signal does not confuse other road users