Road Accident
A SURVEY OF RISK OF ACCIDENTS IN MALAYSIA Nurulhuda.J1, Ho.J.S2, Jamilah.M.M.3 Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) Lot 125-135, Jalan TKS1, Taman Kajang Sentral, 43300 Kajang, Selangor,MALAYSIA
ABSTRACT
Background: Traffic accidents rank fifth among the leading cause of deaths in Malaysia. The country is burdened with more than ten billion ringgit of losses due to traffic accidents every year. Despite implementation of various intervention measures over the years, the number of traffic accidents continues to rise. For instance, the number of traffic accidents in the year 2007 was approximately twice the number of accidents recorded in 1997.
Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an initial understanding of the crash exposure pertaining to the mobility level in various states of Malaysia. It is of interest to explore the relationship of the exposure pattern and crash risk before planning effective countermeasures. Method: Travelling information based on odometer reading was obtained through Postcard Survey. 40,000 postcards were sent randomly to new vehicle owners registered with the Road Transport Department. Results: A total of 6,681 motorists responded to the survey. From their odometer readings, it was noted that males travelled 99.06 billion km while their female counterparts travelled only 58.69 billion km. The results also indicated that male drivers were nearly three times more at risk of being involved in road accidents as compared to female drivers. Significance: The findings are very useful to the relevant authorities as intervention countermeasures in relation to the different characteristics and demographics of the states can be designed. The results also serve as a reference point for state decision makers to adjust their countermeasures for the betterment of road safety. Keywords: Exposure; Survey; Risk
INTRODUCTION
Malaysia shares similar profiles of crash patterns with other developing countries in the world
ABSTRACT
Background: Traffic accidents rank fifth among the leading cause of deaths in Malaysia. The country is burdened with more than ten billion ringgit of losses due to traffic accidents every year. Despite implementation of various intervention measures over the years, the number of traffic accidents continues to rise. For instance, the number of traffic accidents in the year 2007 was approximately twice the number of accidents recorded in 1997.
Objectives: The aim of this paper is to provide an initial understanding of the crash exposure pertaining to the mobility level in various states of Malaysia. It is of interest to explore the relationship of the exposure pattern and crash risk before planning effective countermeasures. Method: Travelling information based on odometer reading was obtained through Postcard Survey. 40,000 postcards were sent randomly to new vehicle owners registered with the Road Transport Department. Results: A total of 6,681 motorists responded to the survey. From their odometer readings, it was noted that males travelled 99.06 billion km while their female counterparts travelled only 58.69 billion km. The results also indicated that male drivers were nearly three times more at risk of being involved in road accidents as compared to female drivers. Significance: The findings are very useful to the relevant authorities as intervention countermeasures in relation to the different characteristics and demographics of the states can be designed. The results also serve as a reference point for state decision makers to adjust their countermeasures for the betterment of road safety. Keywords: Exposure; Survey; Risk
INTRODUCTION
Malaysia shares similar profiles of crash patterns with other developing countries in the world