Examining Fatal Motorcycle Crashes in Malaysia: Rider Age, Road Attributes and Collision Partner Dynamics

Abstract: - High severity crashes involving motorcycles in Malaysia were analyzed to understand the crash characteristics, crash partner, and crash scenarios. This would involve studying how these variables influence the occurrence and severity of fatal crashes. Based on the examination, countermeasures are emphasized from the perspective of technologies, particularly those available on passenger vehicles. The objective of this study is to identify key risk factors and provide insights for improving road safety policies and intervention strategies. The highest age group involved in motorcycle crashes are among 16-20, followed by 21-25. 62.7% occurred in daylight, 90.5% during good weather and 75.4% occurred in midblock. By comparing the engine capacity to the total industry volume, the highest risk is on motorcycles>250 cc, as the production is only 0.29%, but contributes to 4.55% of fatal crashes. The highest crash partners are passenger cars at 30.84%, followed by trucks at 26.64% and single-vehicle accidents at 19.64%. In single crash accidents, road departure represents 56.7%, and control loss, 43.3%. The mandatory ABS in new motorcycles in Malaysia may help in reducing the number of stability losses during emergency braking. Except for rear-end crashes, passenger cars are the highest collision partner in all crash scenarios. Considering the frequency of crash scenarios and crash compatibility, crash avoidance technologies that could help reduce fatalities include autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and lane-keeping assist.