Latest news with #UniversitiPutraMalaysiaRoadSafetyResearchCentre
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Crash sparks call for tougher bus rules
PETALING JAYA: The installation of in-cabin cameras to monitor bus drivers' behaviour in real time should be made mandatory and safety measures strictly enforced, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia traffic and road safety psychologist Prof Dr Rozmi Ismail. The urgent call comes in the wake of the tragic crash at the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway, which claimed 15 lives yesterday. Rozmi also recommended installing black box-style recording systems in all heavy vehicles, a technology similar to what is used in the aviation industry. 'Given the long hours bus drivers endure on the road, fatigue could be a serious risk factor. 'Although we don't yet know the actual cause of the crash, mechanical failure is often assumed, but without video or data recordings, the driver's condition or actions right before the crash are rarely known.' Rozmi said in-cabin cameras could help investigators determine if a driver was distracted, chatting on a mobile phone, fatigued, unconscious or otherwise impaired at the time of an incident. 'More importantly, knowing that their actions are being monitored might encourage drivers to adopt safer and more responsible driving habits.' In addition, Rozmi called for seatbelts to be mandatory for every passenger, not just those in the front rows. 'Bus attendants must ensure all passengers are buckled up before departure. This simple step could greatly reduce injury and death in the event of a crash.' Rozmi also raised concerns about the current state of the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway, which he described as unsafe and outdated. 'Built nearly four decades ago, the highway is still a predominantly single-lane road. 'Its narrow and deteriorating surface poses serious risks, especially during peak travel seasons like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.' He called for the highway to be upgraded into a four-lane dual carriageway and suggested that safety personnel be stationed at critical points during festive periods to manage traffic and respond to emergencies. He also criticised the inconsistent enforcement of roadblocks, saying it only happens during festive seasons, and urged regular enforcement to deter speeding and reckless driving. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua stressed the need for a complete safety reassessment of the Gerik–Jeli stretch. 'The highway is notorious for its sharp turns, steep inclines and unexpected wildlife crossings. 'Its poor design, insufficient lighting and lack of clear signage make it particularly dangerous for large vehicles and chartered buses travelling at night.' Law called for an independent safety audit of the route to examine road geometry, guardrail placement, lighting, speed limits and emergency response readiness. He also highlighted the dangers of overnight travel, noting that long-distance night trips significantly increase the risk of crashes due to driver fatigue and reduced visibility. 'We need stricter rules for chartered buses, including required rest breaks, vehicle inspections and continuous driver monitoring.' Law pointed out that many older buses are still not equipped with seatbelts and urged authorities to make it mandatory for buses to have seatbelts, coupled with public education campaigns and strict enforcement. He also suggested adding reflective signs, crash barriers on dangerous roads, stricter driving tests, alternative routes and continuous public education on road safety.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Lack of tyre safety awareness among motorcyclists increases risk on roads, says don
KUALA LUMPUR: The complacent attitude of motorcyclists towards tyre safety, whether in terms of tread condition, air pressure, or wear level, could significantly increase the risk of road accidents, says Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua. The Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head said public awareness on tyre safety remains low, with many unaware of how to assess tyre conditions, such as reading the tread wear indicator (TWI) or checking expiry dates. "Many only change their tyres when they are completely worn out or when there is a puncture. A common myth is that if the tyre still looks thick, there's no need to change it, without checking the actual age or rubber condition. "There are also those who believe second-hand tyres or bald tyres provide better speed, which is a very dangerous misconception," he told Bernama. Law said the typical lifespan of a motorcycle tyre is between three to five years from the date of manufacture. However, for high-usage scenarios such as food delivery riders, tyres may need to be replaced every 1.5 to 2 years. "Tyres that are safe for daily use should have treads with good grip, especially in wet conditions, compatible with the road surface, have durable construction, and possess the appropriate speed and load index for the motorcycle used," he said. Law said a tread depth of less than 1.6mm indicates that the tyre needs to be replaced, while a tread level that is flush with the TWI mark signifies the tyre is already worn out. "Small cracks, bulges, or hardening of the tyre are signs of ageing or damage. Air pressure should also be checked weekly, based on the manufacturer's specifications," he said. He also suggested that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) take a more proactive approach to tyre safety education campaigns, including periodic inspections and mandating the use of tyres that comply with safety standards. Meanwhile, civil servant Mohd Fairuz Shah Rezza Mustafha, 39, believes motorcyclists should take the initiative to understand tyre safety features rather than relying solely on mechanics. "As a rider, we are closest to our ride. Therefore, tyre safety monitoring should start with us. I prefer to inspect my tyres myself, as it gives me more confidence when riding," he said. Mohd Fairuz, who rides a Honda RS150R as his primary vehicle for both commuting and convoy activities said he doesn't mind spending more for high-quality tyres that he feels confident using every day. "I believe branded tyres offer a high level of safety assurance as a result of extensive research and development, as well as rigorous testing to ensure every detail of the design is truly safe," he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Experts urge safer animal crossings after elephant calf killed on Gerik-Jeli Highway
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent incident involving a male elephant killed after being struck by a lorry in Gerik, which triggered a strong emotional response among Malaysians, is a call to action for the government to build infrastructure that facilitates safe animal crossings on highways to prevent similar tragedies. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua proposed three measures to reduce wildlife-related accidents, including the installation of motion sensors, rumble strips, and elevated crossings. He said motion sensors and wildlife detection systems could activate flashing warning signals when large animals approach the road, allowing drivers to slow down in real time. "In high-risk areas, rumble strips and slowed speed zones can notify and compel drivers to stay focused. "These steps can considerably lower crash hazards when combined with improved signage and public awareness efforts," he told the New Straits Times. While these technologies could involve higher costs, Law said long-term solutions such as elevated crossings or wildlife underpasses offer the best fix. He said these approaches would transform highways into shared spaces that integrate the natural ecosystems they cross, rather than viewing them solely as pathways for vehicles. Meanwhile, MySDG Centre for Environment and Sustainability director Anthony Tan Kee Huatalso called for improved infrastructure, such as viaducts, to allow animals to safely pass under highways. He said the increasing frequency of vehicle-animal collisions, especially along the East Coast Expressway, has become a concerning norm. "How well lit are our highways? There are straight stretches of highways that are pitch dark at night and do not give the driver any time to react to animals crossing," he said. This call for improved infrastructure comes after the death of a baby elephant struck by a lorry on the Gerik-Jeli Highway yesterday morning. Earlier today, Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department director Yusoff Shariff had said the male calf's carcass has been buried, and the mother has returned to the forest.
