With the cooperation of the Royal
Malaysia Police, we studied helmet use
of motorcyclists in different parts of
Malaysia since 1994.
Briefly, the police institute a road
block and with the help of assistants,
we assess whether helmets are worn, if
so, whether strapped correctly, loose or
not strapped. Our criterion for loose
strapping is when more than one finger
can be inserted between the strap and
chin.
We were able to assess a large number of
motorcyclists in any session because we
used many assistants and because our
protocol was simple. Care was taken to
ensure safety of the police and the
assistants. All personnel wore
reflective clothing and took
instructions from the police, who
decided the exact location of road
block, taking into account traffic
conditions, nature of road and adequacy
of space for stopping motorcyclists.
In 1994, we found that a significant
proportion of motorcyclists in
Petaling Jaya and Banting either do
not strap their helmets or strap
loosely thus rendering insufficient
protection in the event of a crash.
Studies at UPM also confirmed these
findings.
The Road Safety Council then
commissioned a multimedia campaign
to educate the public on the
importance of proper strapping. We
had the opportunity of assessing
motorcycle helmet use in Kulim,
Kedah before and after the campaign.
The results are given in the table
below.
We
also assessed motorcycle helmet use in different
parts of Malaysia such as Kota Baru, Kuala
Selangor, Naval Base in Lumut, Perak. Similar
results were obtained.
In
2005, we took the opportunity to
assess
helmet use among motorcyclists in Petaling Jaya. We
chose the same site, time of day and same
direction of traffic i.e. in the motorcycle lane
near Jalan Barat (as we did in 1994).
In
Banting, we assessed helmet use among
motorcyclists in the same Banting main road but
not the same site (as there was construction
going on near the bridge).
A
comparison of results obtained in 1994 and in
2005 is given in the tables.
Motorcycle
Helmet Use, Selected Areas, Malaysia, 1994 and
2005
|
Location |
Year |
Total Motorcyclists
studied |
Strapped
Right
(%) |
Strapped
Loose
(%) |
Not Strapped
(%) |
No helmets
(%) |
|
Petaling
Jaya |
1994 |
800 |
53 |
37 |
10 |
|
|
2005 |
1,200 |
43 |
50 |
7 |
|
|
Banting |
1994 |
601 |
60 |
26 |
10 |
4 |
|
2005 |
444 |
34 |
57 |
8 |
1 |
Urban – Petaling Jaya
Rural - Banting
Conclusion and Recommendation
The
motorcycle helmet wearing rates did not change
much during the last decade.
Media
and non media educational activities need to be
combined with enforcement.
A
variety of strategies need to implemented
simultaneously to see effective reduction in
traffic injuries. (see example from Taiwan)
