Comparative Analysis of Fatal Crash Risk in Heavy Vehicle–Motorcycle and Heavy Vehicle–Passenger Car Collisions on Malaysian Expressway

Abstract

The crashes involving heavy vehicles and smaller vehicles often result in severe injuries and fatalities due to the significant differences in size, weight, and operational restrictions between these vehicles. Heavy vehicles such as trucks, lorries, and container carriers have longer stopping distances, restricted maneuverability, and larger blind spots, all of which increase collision risk with more vulnerable road users, particularly passenger cars and motorcyclists. These factors contribute to the high severity of crashes involving heavy vehicles on expressways. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of heavy vehicle crashes involving other road users, particularly cars and motorcyclists, on Malaysian expressways for the year 2022. Utilizing detailed crash data analysis, the study examines crash types, temporal patterns, and roadway conditions—focusing on traffic environment, road geometry, speed zones, and illumination factors influencing crash frequency and severity. Analysis of crash data revealed that factors such as inadequate roadway lighting and the expressway speed limit of 110 km/h significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes in both heavy vehicle–passenger car and heavy
vehicle–motorcycle crashes. For heavy vehicle–passenger car crashes, additional contributing factors include cross-directional collisions and closed toll highway systems. The results provide valuable insights for highway operators, road safety authorities, and policymakers to formulate targeted interventions aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of crashes involving heavy vehicles. Strengthening such measures is essential to minimize fatalities and serious injuries on Malaysian expressways, which could help achieve the Malaysia Road Safety Plan (MRSP) 2022–2030 target of a 50% reduction in road traffic fatalities by 2030.