Weather as a road safety hazard in Malaysia - an overview

Causes of accidents in Malaysia are discussed and adverse weather conditions are singled out as an important cause. Rainfall affects the performance of the road surface and reduces visibility. Aquaplaning occurs when the frictional force is reduced between tyre and road surface and is influenced by the skidding resistance of the surfacing and by the tyre tread depth. There is also a situation whereby drizzle can produce a thin film of liquid on the road surface which combines with oil and dust on the road surface to reduce road friction, which is known as viscous hydroplaning. Visibility can be reduced to approximately 50metres during heavy rain. The problems associated with wind, flooding, temperature, glare and fog are described and linked to the climate and topography of Malaysia. Two monsoon periods are experienced each year and being in a tropical area, there is also a lot of convective rain. Consequently rain may be expected on half the days of the year. Winds in Malaysia are considered relatively weak, except where they are amplified by mountainous terrain. Annual seasonal temperature variation is less than 3degreesC but altitude and the action of the sun affect diurnal temperatures. Glare may accompany high temperatures and create hazardous driving conditions. Fog usually occurs at night on mountains or at the coast. The particular risks to motorcyclists are considered. Weather related accident data are considered. Engineering and enforcement measures for combating adverse weather are described, along with driver training and improvement.

• Authors:
  • JAWI, Z M
  • Isa, M H
  • SARANI, R
  • VOON, W S
  • SADULLAH, A F
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 45p
• Serial:
  • MIROS REVIEW REPORT
  • Volume: 03/2009

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Driver training; Floods; Fog; Glare; Hydroplaning; Rain; Safety; Surface course (Pavements); Temperature; Weather; Wet weather; Wind
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wet pavements
• Geographic Terms: Malaysia
• ITRD Terms: 3012: Aquaplaning; 1571: Driver training; 2569: Flooding; 2547: Fog; 1677: Glare; 8066: Malaysia; 2507: Rain; 1665: Safety; 6722: Temperature; 2545: Weather; 3015: Wet road; 2554: Wind
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I15: Environment; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01323480
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 22 2010 8:52AM