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  1. Obstructive sleep apnea among express bus drivers in Malaysia: important indicators for screening
    Yusoff MF, Baki MM, Mohamed N, Mohamed AS, Yunus MR, Ami M, et al.
    Traffic Inj Prev, 2010 Dec;11(6):594-9.
    PMID: 21128189 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2010.505255
    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as one of the significant risk factors for motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). In the interest of public safety, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of OSA and its associated factors among express bus drivers in Malaysia. Identifying factors or conditions related with OSA is very important because they can be used as indicators to subject a person to a confirmatory diagnosis using polysomnography testing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving*
  2. Application of theory-based evaluation for the critical analysis of national biofuel policy: A case study in Malaysia
    Abdul-Manan AF, Baharuddin A, Chang LW
    Eval Program Plann, 2015 Oct;52:39-49.
    PMID: 25898073 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.03.007
    Theory-based evaluation (TBE) is an effectiveness assessment technique that critically analyses the theory underlying an intervention. Whilst its use has been widely reported in the area of social programmes, it is less applied in the field of energy and climate change policy evaluations. This paper reports a recent study that has evaluated the effectiveness of the national biofuel policy (NBP) for the transport sector in Malaysia by adapting a TBE approach. Three evaluation criteria were derived from the official goals of the NBP, those are (i) improve sustainability and environmental friendliness, (ii) reduce fossil fuel dependency, and (iii) enhance stakeholders' welfare. The policy theory underlying the NBP has been reconstructed through critical examination of the policy and regulatory documents followed by a rigorous appraisal of the causal link within the policy theory through the application of scientific knowledge. This study has identified several weaknesses in the policy framework that may engender the policy to be ineffective. Experiences with the use of a TBE approach for policy evaluations are also shared in this report.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data
  3. Truck driver fatigue risk assessment and management: a multinational survey
    Adams-Guppy J, Guppy A
    Ergonomics, 2003 Jun 20;46(8):763-79.
    PMID: 12745978 DOI: 10.1080/0014013021000056980
    As part of an organizational review of safety, interviews and questionnaire surveys were performed on over 700 commercial goods drivers and their managers within a series of related companies operating across 17 countries. The results examine the reported incidence of fatigue-related problems in drivers and their associations with near miss and accident experience as well as work and organizational factors. Experience of fatigue problems while driving was linked to time of day and rotation of shifts, though most associations were small. There were significant associations found between fatigue experiences and driver and management systems of break taking and route scheduling. The quantitative combined with qualitative information suggested that, where feasible, more flexible approaches to managing the scheduling and sequencing of deliveries assisted drivers in managing their own fatigue problems through appropriate break-taking. The results are interpreted within the overarching principles of risk assessment and risk control.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*
  4. Drowsiness detection during different times of day using multiple features
    Sahayadhas A, Sundaraj K, Murugappan M
    Australas Phys Eng Sci Med, 2013 Jun;36(2):243-50.
    PMID: 23719977 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-013-0200-6
    Driver drowsiness has been one of the major causes of road accidents that lead to severe trauma, such as physical injury, death, and economic loss, which highlights the need to develop a system that can alert drivers of their drowsy state prior to accidents. Researchers have therefore attempted to develop systems that can determine driver drowsiness using the following four measures: (1) subjective ratings from drivers, (2) vehicle-based measures, (3) behavioral measures and (4) physiological measures. In this study, we analyzed the various factors that contribute towards drowsiness. A total of 15 male subjects were asked to drive for 2 h at three different times of the day (00:00-02:00, 03:00-05:00 and 15:00-17:00 h) when the circadian rhythm is low. The less intrusive physiological signal measurements, ECG and EMG, are analyzed during this driving task. Statistically significant differences in the features of ECG and sEMG signals were observed between the alert and drowsy states of the drivers during different times of day. In the future, these physiological measures can be fused with vision-based measures for the development of an efficient drowsiness detection system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving*
  5. Factors related to seatbelt-wearing among rear-seat passengers in Malaysia
    Ng CP, Law TH, Wong SV, Kulanthayan S
    Accid Anal Prev, 2013 Jan;50:351-60.
    PMID: 22633252 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2012.05.004
    The benefit of wearing a rear seatbelt in reducing the risk of motor vehicle crash-related fatalities and injuries has been well documented in previous studies. Wearing a seatbelt not only reduces the risk of injury to rear-seat passengers, but also reduces the risk of injury to front-seat occupant who could be crushed by unbelted rear-seat passengers in a motor vehicle crash. Despite the benefits of wearing a rear seatbelt, its rate of use in Malaysia is generally low. The objective of this study was to identify factors that are associated with the wearing of a seatbelt among rear-seat passengers in Malaysia. Multinomial logistic regression analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey of 1651 rear-seat passengers revealed that rear-seat passengers who were younger, male, single and less educated and who had a perception of a low level of legislation enforcement, a lower risk-aversion and less driving experience (only for passengers who are also drivers) were less likely to wear a rear seatbelt. There was also a significant positive correlation between driver seatbelt and rear seatbelt-wearing behaviour. This implies that, in regards to seatbelt-wearing behaviour, drivers are more likely to adopt the same seatbelt-wearing behaviour when travelling as rear-seat passengers as they do when driving. These findings are crucial to the development of new interventions to increase the compliance rate of wearing a rear seatbelt.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*
  6. Fatigue-related crashes involving express buses in Malaysia: will the proposed policy of banning the early-hour operation reduce fatigue-related crashes and benefit overall road safety?
    Mohamed N, Mohd-Yusoff MF, Othman I, Zulkipli ZH, Osman MR, Voon WS
    Accid Anal Prev, 2012 Mar;45 Suppl:45-9.
    PMID: 22239931 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2011.09.025
    Fatigue-related crashes have long been the topic of discussion and study worldwide. The relationship between fatigue-related crashes and time of day is well documented. In Malaysia, the possibility of banning express buses from operating during the early-hours of the morning has emerged as an important consideration for passenger safety. This paper highlights the findings of an impact assessment study. The study was conducted to determine all possible impacts prior to the government making any decision on the proposed banning. This study is an example of a simple and inexpensive approach that may influence future policy-making process. The impact assessment comprised two major steps. The first step involved profiling existing operation scenarios, gathering information on crashes involving public express buses and stakeholders' views. The second step involved a qualitative impact assessment analysis using all information gathered during the profiling stage to describe the possible impacts. Based on the assessment, the move to ban early-hour operations could possibly result in further negative impacts on the overall road safety agenda. These negative impacts may occur if the fundamental issues, such as driving and working hours, and the need for rest and sleep facilities for drivers, are not addressed. In addition, a safer and more accessible public transportation system as an alternative for those who choose to travel at night would be required. The proposed banning of early-hour operations is also not a feasible solution for sustainability of express bus operations in Malaysia, especially for those operating long journeys. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to design a more holistic approach for preventing fatigue-related crashes involving express buses in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/legislation & jurisprudence*
  7. Fulltext Low back pain and association with whole body vibration among military armoured vehicle drivers in Malaysia
    Rozali A, Rampal KG, Shamsul Bahri MT, Mohd Sidik S, Shamsul Azhar S, Khairuddin H, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2009 Sep;64(3):197-204.
    PMID: 20527267 MyJurnal
    A cross sectional study was conducted among military armoured vehicle drivers in the two largest mechanized battalions with the objective to determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP), and its association with whole body vibration (WBV) and other associated factors. A self-administered questionnaire and Human Vibration Meter were used in this study. A total of 159 respondents participated in this study and 102 (64.2%) of them were subjected to WBV measurement. One-hundred-and-seventeen respondents complained of LBP for the past 12 months giving a prevalence of 73.6%. The prevalence of LBP among tracked armoured vehicle drivers was higher (81.7%) as compared to wheeled armoured vehicle drivers (67.0%). The mean acceleration at Z-axis in tracked armoured vehicles (1.09 +/- 0.26 ms(-2)) and wheeled armoured vehicles (0.33 +/- 0.07 ms) were the dominant vibration directions. The mean estimated vibration dose value (eVDV) for eight-hour daily exposure at Z-axis (19.86 +/- 4.72 ms(-1.75)) in tracked armoured vehicles showed the highest estimation. Based on the European Vibration Directive (2002), the mean eVDV at Z-axis in tracked armoured vehicles exceeded exposure action value (EAV) (> 9.1 ms(-1.75), but did not exceed exposure limit value (ELV) (<21.0 ms(-1.75)). Logistic regression analysis revealed that only driving in forward bending sitting posture (OR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.06-12.42) and WBV exposure at X-axis (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.02-3.69) were significant risk factors to LBP. Preventive measures should be implemented to minimize risk of WBV and to improve ergonomic postures among drivers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving*
  8. Exploring the economics of motorcycle helmet laws--implications for low and middle-income countries
    Hyder AA, Waters H, Phillips T, Rehwinkel J
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2007;19(2):16-22.
    PMID: 18050559
    This paper reviews economic evaluations of motorcycle helmet interventions in preventing injuries. A comprehensive literature review focusing on the effectiveness of motorcycle helmet use, and on mandatory helmet laws and their enforcement was done. When helmet laws were lifted between 1976-80, 48 states within the U.S.A. experienced a cost of $342,047 per excess fatality of annual net savings. Helmet laws in the USA had a benefit-cost ratio of 1.33 to 5.07. Taiwan witnessed a 14% decline in motorcycle fatalities and a 22% reduction of head injury fatalities with the introduction of a helmet law. In Thailand, where 70-90% of all crashes involve motorcycle, after enforcement of a helmet law, helmet-use increased five-fold, the number of injured motorcyclists decreased by 33.5%, head injuries decreased by 41.4%, and deaths decreased by 20.8%. There is considerable evidence that mandatory helmet laws with enforcement alleviate the burden of traffic injuries greatly. For low and middle-income countries with high rates of motorcycle injuries, enforced, mandatory motorcycle helmet laws are potentially one of the most cost-effective interventions available.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/legislation & jurisprudence*
  9. Fulltext New regression model for predicting hand-arm vibration (HAV) of Malaysian Army (MA) three-tonne truck steering wheels
    Aziz SA, Nuawi MZ, Nor MJ
    J Occup Health, 2015;57(6):513-20.
    PMID: 26269278 DOI: 10.1539/joh.14-0206-OA
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to present a new method for determination of hand-arm vibration (HAV) in Malaysian Army (MA) three-tonne truck steering wheels based on changes in vehicle speed using regression model and the statistical analysis method known as Integrated Kurtosis-Based Algorithm for Z-Notch Filter Technique Vibro (I-kaz Vibro).

    METHODOLOGY: The test was conducted for two different road conditions, tarmac and dirt roads. HAV exposure was measured using a Brüel & Kjær Type 3649 vibration analyzer, which is capable of recording HAV exposures from steering wheels. The data was analyzed using I-kaz Vibro to determine the HAV values in relation to varying speeds of a truck and to determine the degree of data scattering for HAV data signals.

    RESULTS: Based on the results obtained, HAV experienced by drivers can be determined using the daily vibration exposure A(8), I-kaz Vibro coefficient (Ƶ(v)(∞)), and the I-kaz Vibro display. The I-kaz Vibro displays also showed greater scatterings, indicating that the values of Ƶ(v)(∞) and A(8) were increasing. Prediction of HAV exposure was done using the developed regression model and graphical representations of Ƶ(v)(∞). The results of the regression model showed that Ƶ(v)(∞) increased when the vehicle speed and HAV exposure increased.

    DISCUSSION: For model validation, predicted and measured noise exposures were compared, and high coefficient of correlation (R(2)) values were obtained, indicating that good agreement was obtained between them. By using the developed regression model, we can easily predict HAV exposure from steering wheels for HAV exposure monitoring.

    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/standards*
  10. Fulltext Examination Standards for Disabled Driver's Licensing
    Citation: Examination Standards for Disabled Driver's Licensing. Putrajaya: Occupational Health Unit, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia; 2011
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving
  11. Fulltext Colour vision deficiency among failed candidates for driving license in Sabah. [Abstract]
    Azmi N, Yahya AN, Gilong HCS, Anne SJ, Ting RHY, Amil Bangsa NH, et al.
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020;3(101):11-12.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Good visual acuity (VA) coupled with the ability to discriminate colours and having a sufficiently wide field of view are factors needed for safe driving. This study aimed to determine the types of colour vision deficiency (CVD) among failed candidates for driving license and to identify the accuracy of the Road transport Department (RTD) screening tests in detecting those who have poor VA and CVD in Sabah.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study on the patient’s records of all failed candidates for the driving license that were referred for further assessment by an optometrist. This study was conducted at eight hospitals in Sabah from March to June 2019. Basic demographic data, distance VA, Ishihara test and Farnsworth-Munsell D15 test were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results. All subjects referred with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 0.3 LogMAR were included.
    Results: A total of 73 subjects (79% males and 21% females), age range from 16 to 61 years (mean 29±13 years) were recruited. Bajau, Dusun, Bugis and Kadazan were the major ethnic among the subjects. Mean VA on attendance was 0.1 ± 0.19 LogMAR, while BCVA was 0.0 ± 0.07 LogMAR. Thirty-six subjects (49%) were found to have CVD. The prevalence of CVD was more in males than females (45% vs 4%). Most of the CVD were deutans (25%) followed by protans (22%), no findings of tritan CVD In this study, 37 subjects (51%) passed the Ishihara test. These were the false-positive error of the RTD screening tests.
    Conclusions: Hereditary red-green perceptive disorder was the commonest CVD in Sabah. The severity of CVD was not been evaluated in this study because it is best evaluated using Hardy Rand and Rittler (HRR) test. The false-positive results might be because of technical error or unfamiliar of using computerized colour vision test, especially among elderly candidates. Visual field screening might be considered in the future to ensure safe driving.
    Keywords:visual acuity (VA), colour vision deficiency (CVD), driving license
    NMRR Research ID: NMRR-19-1785-48811
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving
  12. Fulltext Visual problems of new malaysian drivers
    Haliza A, Md Muziman Syah M, Norliza M
    Malays Fam Physician, 2010;5(2):95-8.
    PMID: 25606195 MyJurnal
    PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of poor visual acuity, colour blindness and visual field defect of new Malaysian drivers.

    METHODS: A total of 3717 new drivers (50.2% males and 49.8% females) age 19±6 years, voluntarily participated in this study. Standard optometric apparatus such as LogMAR Charts, Ishihara plates and HandHeld Bernell Perimeter were used and standard procedures were applied.

    RESULTS: The visual examination showed 6.7% (n=250) of subjects achieved less than 0.3 LogMAR with better eye whilst 2.2% (n=83) had failed the Ishihara Test (2.1% males and 0.1% females). Most of the affected drivers were deutranopia. Only 2094 subjects had their visual field using a mobile Handheld Bernell Perimeter. 1.72% (n=36) subjects have less than 120 degrees of peripheral field of vision.

    CONCLUSIONS: The visual status among new Malaysian drivers needs to be taken seriously to ensure safe driving. Other factors such as colour vision and visual field screening have to be considered seriously when evaluating the visual performance of a driver. Good visual performance is indispensible for safe driving.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving
  13. Modeling of passengers' safety perception for buses on mountainous roads
    Khoo HL, Ahmed M
    Accid Anal Prev, 2018 Apr;113:106-116.
    PMID: 29407657 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.01.025
    This study had developed a passenger safety perception model specifically for buses taking into consideration the various factors, namely driver characteristics, environmental conditions, and bus characteristics using Bayesian Network. The behaviour of bus driver is observed through the bus motion profile, measured in longitudinal, lateral, and vertical accelerations. The road geometry is recorded using GPS and is computed with the aid of the Google map while the perceived bus safety is rated by the passengers in the bus in real time. A total of 13 variables were derived and used in the model development. The developed Bayesian Network model shows that the type of bus and the experience of the driver on the investigated route could have an influence on passenger's perception of their safety on buses. Road geometry is an indirect influencing factor through the driver's behavior. The findings of this model are useful for the authorities to structure an effective strategy to improve the level of perceived bus safety. A high level of bus safety will definitely boost passenger usage confidence which will subsequently increase ridership.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving
  14. Characteristics of persons with spinal cord injury who drive in Malaysia and its barriers: a cross sectional study
    Lee RCH, Hasnan N, Engkasan JP
    Spinal Cord, 2018 04;56(4):341-346.
    PMID: 29288252 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-017-0034-2
    STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, characteristics of and barriers to driving among persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

    SETTING: SCI Rehabilitation Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).

    METHODS: This is a questionnaire-based study on persons with SCI who attended the UMMC SCI Rehabilitation Clinic between June 2015 and November 2016. The questionnaire comprised demographic data, clinical characteristics, driving variables, Spinal Cord Independence Measure III, WHOQOL-BREF, and Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short Form. Malaysians aged greater than 18 years old with any etiology and levels of SCI, had no other physical disabilities and not suffering from progressive illness were recruited. A single investigator administered the questionnaire via face-to-face interviews.

    RESULTS: A total of 160 participants were included in this study. Overall, 37% of persons with SCI drove and owned a modified vehicle. Almost half of persons with paraplegia (47%) drove, but only 12% of tetraplegia did. A majority (93%) of those who drove aged below 60 years, and had higher level of independence in activity of daily living. More drivers (81%) compared to non-drivers (24%) were employed; drivers also reported better community reintegration and quality of life. Three commonest barriers to driving included medical reasons (38%), fear and lack of confidence (17%), and inability to afford vehicle modifications (13%).

    CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of persons with SCI driving post injury is low. Based on the findings of this study, more efforts are needed to motivate and facilitate persons with SCI to drive.

    Study site: SCI Rehabilitation Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/psychology; Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*
  15. Microsimulation modelling of driver behaviour towards alternative warning devices at railway level crossings
    Tey LS, Zhu S, Ferreira L, Wallis G
    Accid Anal Prev, 2014 Oct;71:177-82.
    PMID: 24929822 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.05.014
    Level crossings are amongst the most complex of road safety issues, due to the addition of rail infrastructure, trains and train operations. The differences in the operational characteristics of different warning devices together with varying crossing, traffic or/and train characteristics, cause different driver behaviour at crossings. This paper compares driver behaviour towards two novel warning devices (rumble strips and in-vehicle audio warning) with two conventional warning devices (flashing light and stop sign) at railway level crossings using microsimulation modelling. Two safety performance indicators directly related to collision risks, violation and time-to-collision, were adopted. Results indicated the active systems were more effective at reducing likely collisions compared to passive devices. With the combined application of driving simulation and traffic microsimulation modelling, traffic safety performance indicators for a level crossing can be estimated. From these, relative safety comparisons for the different traffic devices are derived, or even for absolute safety evaluation with proper calibration from field investigations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*
  16. Fulltext Developing a web-based advisory expert system for implementing traffic calming strategies
    Falamarzi A, Borhan MN, Rahmat RA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:757981.
    PMID: 25276861 DOI: 10.1155/2014/757981
    Lack of traffic safety has become a serious issue in residential areas. In this paper, a web-based advisory expert system for the purpose of applying traffic calming strategies on residential streets is described because there currently lacks a structured framework for the implementation of such strategies. Developing an expert system can assist and advise engineers for dealing with traffic safety problems. This expert system is developed to fill the gap between the traffic safety experts and people who seek to employ traffic calming strategies including decision makers, engineers, and students. In order to build the expert system, examining sources related to traffic calming studies as well as interviewing with domain experts have been carried out. The system includes above 150 rules and 200 images for different types of measures. The system has three main functions including classifying traffic calming measures, prioritizing traffic calming strategies, and presenting solutions for different traffic safety problems. Verifying, validating processes, and comparing the system with similar works have shown that the system is consistent and acceptable for practical uses. Finally, some recommendations for improving the system are presented.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving*
  17. Driving anger in Malaysia
    Sullman MJ, Stephens AN, Yong M
    Accid Anal Prev, 2014 Oct;71:1-9.
    PMID: 24863369 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.04.019
    The present study examined the types of situations that cause Malaysian drivers to become angry. The 33-item version of the driver anger scale (Deffenbacher et al., 1994) was used to investigate driver anger amongst a sample of 339 drivers. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fit of the original six-factor model (discourtesy, traffic obstructions, hostile gestures, slow driving, illegal driving and police presence), after removing one item and allowing three error pairs to covary, was satisfactory. Female drivers reported more anger, than males, caused by traffic obstruction and hostile gestures. Age was also negatively related to five (discourtesy, traffic obstructions, hostile gestures, slow driving and police presence) of the six factors and also to the total DAS score. Furthermore, although they were not directly related to crash involvement, several of the six forms of driving anger were significantly related to the crash-related conditions of: near misses, loss of concentration, having lost control of a vehicle and being ticketed. Overall the pattern of findings made in the present research were broadly similar to those from Western countries, indicating that the DAS is a valid measure of driving anger even among non-European based cultures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/psychology*
  18. Motorcycles entering from access points and merging with traffic on primary roads in Malaysia: behavioral and road environment influence on the occurrence of traffic conflicts
    Abdul Manan MM
    Accid Anal Prev, 2014 Sep;70:301-13.
    PMID: 24831271 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2014.04.009
    This paper uses data from an observational study, conducted at access points in straight sections of primary roads in Malaysia in 2012, to investigate the effects of motorcyclists' behavior and road environment attributes on the occurrence of serious traffic conflicts involving motorcyclists entering primary roads via access points. In order to handle the unobserved heterogeneity in the small sample data size, this study applies mixed effects logistic regression with multilevel bootstrapping. Two statistically significant models (Model 2 and Model 3) are produced, with 2 levels of random effect parameters, i.e. motorcyclists' attributes and behavior at Level 1, and road environment attributes at Level 2. Among all the road environment attributes tested, the traffic volume and the speed limit are found to be statistically significant, only contributing to 26-29% of the variations affecting the traffic conflict outcome. The implication is that 71-74% of the unmeasured or undescribed attributes and behavior of motorcyclists still have an importance in predicting the outcome: a serious traffic conflict. As for the fixed effect parameters, both models show that the risk of motorcyclists being involved in a serious traffic conflict is 2-4 times more likely if they accept a shorter gap to a single approaching vehicle (time lag <4s) and in between two vehicles (time gap <4s) when entering the primary road from the access point. A road environment factor, such as a narrow lane (seen in Model 2), and a behavioral factor, such as stopping at the stop line (seen in Model 3), also influence the occurrence of a serious traffic conflict compared to those entering into a wider lane road and without stopping at the stop line, respectively. A discussion of the possible reasons for this seemingly strange result, including a recommendation for further research, concludes the paper.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/psychology*
  19. New method for distance-based close following safety indicator
    Sharizli AA, Rahizar R, Karim MR, Saifizul AA
    Traffic Inj Prev, 2015;16(2):190-5.
    PMID: 24827899 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2014.921913
    The increase in the number of fatalities caused by road accidents involving heavy vehicles every year has raised the level of concern and awareness on road safety in developing countries like Malaysia. Changes in the vehicle dynamic characteristics such as gross vehicle weight, travel speed, and vehicle classification will affect a heavy vehicle's braking performance and its ability to stop safely in emergency situations. As such, the aim of this study is to establish a more realistic new distance-based safety indicator called the minimum safe distance gap (MSDG), which incorporates vehicle classification (VC), speed, and gross vehicle weight (GVW).
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*
  20. Exploring the effects of roadway characteristics on the frequency and severity of head-on crashes: case studies from Malaysian federal roads
    Hosseinpour M, Yahaya AS, Sadullah AF
    Accid Anal Prev, 2014 Jan;62:209-22.
    PMID: 24172088 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2013.10.001
    Head-on crashes are among the most severe collision types and of great concern to road safety authorities. Therefore, it justifies more efforts to reduce both the frequency and severity of this collision type. To this end, it is necessary to first identify factors associating with the crash occurrence. This can be done by developing crash prediction models that relate crash outcomes to a set of contributing factors. This study intends to identify the factors affecting both the frequency and severity of head-on crashes that occurred on 448 segments of five federal roads in Malaysia. Data on road characteristics and crash history were collected on the study segments during a 4-year period between 2007 and 2010. The frequency of head-on crashes were fitted by developing and comparing seven count-data models including Poisson, standard negative binomial (NB), random-effect negative binomial, hurdle Poisson, hurdle negative binomial, zero-inflated Poisson, and zero-inflated negative binomial models. To model crash severity, a random-effect generalized ordered probit model (REGOPM) was used given a head-on crash had occurred. With respect to the crash frequency, the random-effect negative binomial (RENB) model was found to outperform the other models according to goodness of fit measures. Based on the results of the model, the variables horizontal curvature, terrain type, heavy-vehicle traffic, and access points were found to be positively related to the frequency of head-on crashes, while posted speed limit and shoulder width decreased the crash frequency. With regard to the crash severity, the results of REGOPM showed that horizontal curvature, paved shoulder width, terrain type, and side friction were associated with more severe crashes, whereas land use, access points, and presence of median reduced the probability of severe crashes. Based on the results of this study, some potential countermeasures were proposed to minimize the risk of head-on crashes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data*
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