SINGAPORE - A recent viral video of three men in an unmarked car on Malaysia’s North-South Highway, speeding alongside one travelling from Singapore to Genting and trying to pull its driver over, may have led some to wonder what they would have done in that situation.

After all, the men had flashed a blue beacon light similar to those used by police, and some motorists may be taken in by such a ruse.

Thankfully, the driver in this case did not slow down. Two men were later nabbed by Malaysian police and are being investigated for impersonating civil servants.

Here is what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation on the roads up north, and these are other tips to stay safe.

1. When in doubt, call 999

If you are being pursued by an unmarked car and feel you may be in danger, call the Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS) on 999 immediately, an Automobile Association of Singapore (AA) spokesman said.

“By calling MERS, motorists can provide their exact location and request directions to the nearest police station or government office,” she said.

“This allows motorists to be efficiently guided towards these locations, enabling them to seek prompt assistance and receive further guidance from the local authorities.”

2. Be prepared

Research the road conditions and driving culture, and check the speed limit before setting off on your trip.

The AA spokesman said that drivers are advised not to stop their vehicle on any lane of an expressway. If they wish to rest or use a toilet, they should drive off the expressway into special lay-bys or rest stops along the expressway.

If they must stop on the expressway due to an emergency, they should keep away from the travelling lanes and switch on the vehicle’s hazard lights.

Traffic engineering and safety consultant Gopinath Menon advised people who are not used to driving at very high speeds to choose a reasonably high speed they are comfortable with, and keep to the left-most lane.

If you choose to travel at higher speeds, keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you, so that you can brake in time without hitting the vehicle if it stops suddenly.

3. Stay alert by taking regular breaks

Mr Menon pointed out that continuous driving for long hours can be tiring for those not used to it.

“You could lose concentration, especially if the surrounding scenery does not change. You become less alert if nothing is happening around you, and you could fall asleep at the wheel,” he said, suggesting regular stops at lay-bys.

The AA spokesman recommended that motorists drive for no longer than two hours at a time, with a break of at least 20 minutes.

“On the North-South Highway, lay-bys are located about every 25km to 50km along the expressway. Facilities include parking bays and toilets. Rest and service areas are located every 80km to 100km.”

4. Driving in dark conditions

Drivers may also encounter stretches without street lights, where one has to depend on vehicle headlights, noted Mr Menon.

“It takes some time to get used to depending entirely on headlights. You have to depend on the lane markings that are illuminated by the headlights,” he said.

“Use the high beam when the road ahead is not clear; at other times, use the low beam so as not to blind drivers in the opposite direction at stretches where there are no barriers on the road dividers.”

5. Take steps to prevent vehicle theft

The AA spokesman also recommended tips to minimise the risk of having one’s car stolen.

“When parking, opt for well-lit and populated areas. Park near pillars and turn your wheel towards them to make it harder for thieves to manoeuvre or tow your car without unlocking the steering,” she said.

Anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks and gear shift locks are also useful.

“These visible deterrents make it challenging for unauthorised individuals to operate your vehicle,” she said.