A two-year-old opening a car door in heavy traffic touched off a six-vehicle collision on Jalan Tun Razak, and that single moment has immediate lessons for anyone who straps a child into a vehicle. Activate child safety locks, secure children in proper restraints, and avoid lapsitting — these steps drastically cut the risk of similar incidents.
This post breaks down what happened, what investigators found, and which everyday practices prevent such crashes. You will get clear, practical guidance on seatbelt use, door locks, and how to manage children in moving traffic so you can apply changes right away.
Incident Overview and Investigation
A toddler’s action opened a rear car door on a busy Kuala Lumpur artery, setting off a chain-reaction crash that involved four cars and two motorcycles and prompted an official traffic probe. Authorities identified the immediate cause, listed the vehicles involved, and began witness interviews and injury follow-ups.
Sequence of Events on Jalan Tun Razak
Traffic investigators say the collision occurred at about 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 6 along Jalan Tun Razak, on the stretch toward the Kampung Pandan roundabout near KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers. A Honda City with a two-year-old girl in the rear passenger seat reportedly had its door opened unexpectedly while the vehicle was moving in heavy traffic.
Two motorcycles struck the open door, and momentum created a six-vehicle pileup as trailing drivers braked and swerved. Witness statements described abrupt braking and horn use immediately before impact. Emergency responders reached the scene quickly; injured riders were taken to Kuala Lumpur hospitals for treatment.
Vehicles and Individuals Involved
Police reports and media accounts list four cars — a Honda City, Toyota Corolla Cross, Volkswagen Polo and a Perodua Bezza — and two motorcycles, identified in some reports as a Suzuki V‑Strom SX and a CFMoto 675 NK. The toddler was a rear-seat passenger in the Honda City.
Riders on the two motorcycles sustained injuries; authorities reported at least two motorcyclists treated at local hospitals. Drivers and occupants of the cars reported shock and minor injuries. Officials noted no immediate evidence of intoxication or high speed among the car drivers.
Key Findings from Kuala Lumpur Traffic Authorities
The Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, led in public comments by Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa, stated preliminary findings that the child’s accidental opening of the rear door triggered the incident. Investigators emphasized that the door opened into moving traffic, causing the initial motorcycle collision and subsequent chain reaction.
Authorities highlighted safety factors under review: proper child restraint use, door locks, and passenger supervision in rear seats. They continue to collect CCTV and witness statements and are examining vehicle damage and braking patterns as part of traffic investigation procedures.
Parental Responsibility and Road Safety Recommendations
Parents and caregivers must manage vehicle access, secure children properly, and understand legal obligations and enforcement practices to prevent incidents and downstream crashes. Practical steps include using built-in safety features, supervising loading and unloading, and keeping knowledge of local traffic laws current.
Role of Child Safety Locks
Child safety locks on rear doors prevent a child from opening the door from inside while the vehicle is moving or stopped in traffic. Caregivers should engage these locks every time children occupy rear seats and verify them during a daily pre-trip check.
Seat placement and restraint use matter too. Keep toddlers in a rear-facing or appropriate forward-facing car seat until they meet size limits, and ensure the harness is snug. Teach older children not to operate door handles while the vehicle is moving.
Inspect locks regularly for wear or malfunction and consult the vehicle manual for the correct setting. If a vehicle lacks effective locks, parents must take compensating actions: seat children in the middle rear seat, use a harnessed booster when appropriate, or consider aftermarket safety devices that meet safety standards.
Legal Perspectives: Road Transport Act 1987
The Road Transport Act 1987 (and equivalent local laws) imposes duties on drivers and guardians to ensure safe carriage of passengers, including children. Breaches can lead to fines, license penalties, or criminal liability when negligence causes injury or collisions.
Traffic investigators, such as the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, document incidents to determine culpability. Their reports focus on contributory factors like careless and inconsiderate driving, unsecured passengers, and failure to use child restraints.
Parents should keep records: car seat manuals, proof of purchase for approved seats, and maintenance logs for door locks. If police from units like Tun H.S. Lee Traffic Police Station investigate, cooperation and documentary evidence can clarify whether a legal breach occurred and may affect enforcement outcomes.
Lessons for Parents and Guardians
Supervision eliminates many risks: always walk children to and from the curb-side, buckle them before moving the vehicle, and avoid distractions like phones while supervising boarding. Assign a specific caregiver to monitor children when near moving traffic.
Adopt routine checks: confirm child safety locks, seat harness tightness, and that doors are fully closed. Train children with simple rules — keep hands away from handles, stay seated until the vehicle stops — and practice them consistently.
When selecting a vehicle or car seat, prioritize models with proven safety features and follow manufacturer installation instructions. If involved in or witnessing a crash, report details promptly to traffic enforcement and retain photos and witness contacts to assist investigations into inconsiderate or careless driving.
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