Saving more lives on the road with telematics

KUALA LUMPUR: Following a series of fatal accidents involving trailers last week, a road safety expert has called for the mandatory installation of black box-like systems in heavy vehicles to track driving behaviour and enable predictive maintenance.

Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua, head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering, emphasised that black boxes and similar systems are capable of tracking critical data such as speed, braking systems and lane discipline.

He said that mandatory use of telematics, driver assistance and fatigue monitoring systems could significantly improve safety and performance.

“Telematics would be very beneficial if implemented as a requirement for all commercial vehicles, as it enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, ensuring that vehicles are in optimal condition and drivers follow best practices,” he said.

Law added that driver assistance systems and fatigue monitoring should be mandatory in high-risk environments such as long-haul trucking and hazardous materials transportation.

Telematics refers to the integrated use of telecommunications and information technology to collect, transmit and analyse data on vehicle performance, location and driver behaviour.

Law also emphasised the importance of improving post-crash response systems to reduce the impact of accidents, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating Automated Road Infra-structure Data Systems with emergency response frameworks.

“Immediate action is critical in preventing secondary accidents, clearing debris efficiently and addressing any hazardous materials or conditions caused by the crash, especially those involving large trucks or trailers,” he said.

Law also advised motorists to practice safe driving techniques around heavy vehicles, like avoiding blind spots and being cautious when overtaking.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said that advanced logistics management systems, which track vehicles and drivers in real time, could be a plus point for operators to promote their services.

“This same concept is already done by e-hailing and p-hailing services, where we know exactly where one’s vehicle is heading. Logistics companies can also benefit from this concept,” he said.

Wong also noted that operators whose drivers are involved in accidents should be investigated to determine if all due diligence was carried out before the vehicles hit the road.

“Operators can be held liable if the accident is proven to have resulted from the driver’s own actions or negligence. If the driver caused the accident, they should also be held responsible.

“If the drivers are aware that the vehicles are overloaded or carrying goods beyond their capacity, they have the right to refuse the task,” he added.

Former Miros chairman Datuk Suret Singh stressed the need for operators to ensure safer fleet logistic operations, including safe and secure loading.

“Fleet operations should also be suspended if serious safety violations, particularly those resulting in death and serious injury, are identified,” he said.

Suret also said the “perception of being caught” index must be improved, adding that a new key performance indicator should be in place for enforcement authorities like the Road Transport Department and police.

“Miros should be tasked to monitor this index every six months and publish findings,” he said.