Journal of the Society of Automotive Engineers Malaysia

Indonesia Trans Java Highway Speed Gap

2026-10-25T11:41:42+00:00

This study examines speed dynamics and surrogate safety on Indonesia's Trans-Java–Cisumdawu corridor using naturalistic dashcam observations of 607 vehicle interactions across eleven segments. Segment-level summaries show substantial heterogeneity in operating speed and speed differentials (speed_gap = v_target − v_source). Overspeeding (>100 km/h) occurred in 45.8% of observations, with notable concentrations on Batang–Semarang, Cisumdawu, and Pemalang–Batang. Robust group comparisons (Welch’s ANOVA with Games–Howell; Kruskal–Wallis) confirmed significant between-segment differences in both speed and speed gaps. A multiple linear model indicated systematic location effects on target-vehicle speed after accounting for traffic density, while a logistic model (AUC=0.876; McFadden’s R²=0.368) showed that overspeeding risk varies markedly by segment even after conditioning on operating speed. Tail-risk indicators – overspeeding prevalence, share of |gap|≥40 km/h, and speed dispersion (CV) – were synthesized into a Speed–Gap Safety Index (SGSI), which prioritized Batang–Semarang, Pejagan–Pemalang, and Semarang as top-tier segments. Time-headway and closing-time diagnostics (short THW/TTC) were consistent with this ordering, indicating frequent entry into closing-risk states. Findings support targeted, segment-specific management – adaptive upper-limit enforcement, speed harmonization/lane discipline, dynamic limits – and provide region-specific inputs for ASEAN NCAP/ADAS scenario calibration (e.g., Δv=20–40+ km/h at THW=0.8–1.2 s). Interpretation is tempered by the observational design, small n on several segments, and video-based measurement, but the results offer an actionable basis for prioritizing enforcement and technology evaluation.

Consumer Priorities and ASEAN NCAP Awareness in Vehicle Purchasing

2026-10-25T11:47:35+00:00

This study examines consumer behavior in vehicle purchasing decisions and their awareness of the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) among Malaysian car buyers. A total of 279 respondents participated in an online survey that explored purchasing priorities, willingness to pay for safety features, and knowledge of safety ratings. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 26 to identify patterns and relationships between demographics, purchasing behavior, and safety awareness. The results show that safety features, price, and safety ratings, such as ASEAN NCAP and Euro NCAP, were the most influential factors when choosing a vehicle, while design and color were the least important. Fuel efficiency and fuel type were also highly rated, reflecting both cost considerations and shifting consumer preferences. More than half of the respondents (51.6%) stated that they were willing to pay more for cars with higher safety features, while 36.6% were uncertain and only 11.8% were unwilling, indicating a growing appreciation of safety even among cost-conscious buyers. Awareness of ASEAN NCAP was relatively high, with 66.3% of respondents recognizing the program. Most respondents understood that ASEAN NCAP provides star ratings for vehicle safety, and 76% reported that these ratings influenced their purchase decisions. However, awareness of the ratings was significantly higher among urban and higher-income groups
compared to rural and lower-income respondents, indicating uneven access to safety information. Overall, the study reveals that safety and affordability remain key factors in purchasing decisions. However, ASEAN NCAP could strengthen its impact through broader outreach and consumer education.

Temporal Analysis of Daily Fatalities Using K-Means Clustering Method

2026-10-25T11:56:57+00:00

Malaysians make long-distance travel during festive seasons, when traffic increases by approximately 30%. The high exposure on the roads inevitably increases the risk of traffic crashes. By using daily traffic fatalities between 18th March 2025 to 25th May 2025, this study examines the effect of different types of holidays on traffic fatalities. Holidays were classified into three categories: school holidays, public holidays, and seasonal holidays. The K-Means clustering method was employed for this analysis, and the results revealed that the type of holiday played a significant role in influencing the traffic fatality patterns. Three distinct clusters were deduced in this analysis. The highest risks took place in early June during the seasonal holidays, while the lowest fatalities, with an average of 12.22 fatalities, were observed around September. Moderate risks were reported in the mid of March 2025. Understanding the effect of seasonal variation on traffic fatalities enables relevant government agencies to develop targeted interventions during the respective seasons. As this study only considered limited variables such as day of week and type of holiday, future research can incorporate additional factors such as weather conditions and potential spatial correlations to enhance the predictive insights.

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

2026-10-25T12:01:26+00:00

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.

Social Media Video Footage Analysis of Car-to-Motorcycle Accidents in Indonesia

2026-10-25T12:07:47+00:00

This study investigates car-to-motorcycle accidents in Indonesia by analyzing social media video footage to provide real-world insights into accident dynamics. With motorcycles accounting for a significant portion of traffic accidents in Indonesia, this research aims to identify the key factors contributing to such accidents, including road and environmental conditions, impact scenarios, and injury types. The systematic analysis using a video observation checklist reveals that suburban (46%) and rural areas (35%) are the primary locations where accidents occurred, with straight roads being the most common accident location (57%). Environmental factors such as clear weather and daylight conditions were prevalent in the majority of incidents. The study also identifies frontal collisions as the most common impact type (49%), leading to significant upper body (48%) and leg (34%) injuries for motorcyclists. In terms of vehicle types, Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) were the most common car type involved (72%), while motorcycles were predominantly bikes (90%) rather than scooters or superbikes. The study also highlights the dominance of Honda motorcycles (64%) in these accidents, reflecting their widespread use in Indonesia. The findings contribute to the development of motorcyclist safety technologies, including the Autonomous Emergency Braking Motorcycle System (AEB MS), by providing empirical data on accident scenarios. The research highlights the
importance of region-specific safety protocols for improving road safety and reducing fatalities among vulnerable road users in Southeast Asia.

Driving Posture Preferences Among Southeast Asian Drivers: Insights from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia

2026-10-25T12:13:46+00:00

This study aims to determine the preferred seating positions and driving postures of passenger vehicle drivers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The outcomes are intended to improve the effectiveness of dummy placement in vehicle security evaluations, including the ASEAN NCAP procedure. A standardized questionnaire was created, validated by expert review, and disseminated online. The survey addressed six primary adjustable elements for drivers: seatback angle, seat sliding distance, steering wheel height, headrest height, seat height, and seat belt height. It assessed postural standards after adaptation, encompassing knee and leg orientation, upper body and head alignment, and hand positioning on the steering wheel. A total of 1,374 valid responses were obtained: 21% from Malaysia, 40% from Thailand, and 39% from Indonesia. Results demonstrate a regional norm where the majority of
drivers prefer a seatback angle of 90 degrees (48%), mid-position with elbow angle between 90 and 130 degrees (55%), mid-position of steering wheel height (47%), standard headrest height (49%), and a standard seat belt adjustment (58%). Most individuals adopt a slightly knee-bent and feet flat on the pedal (53%), upper body and head position with upright with head centered (76%), and their hands placed at the 9 and 3 o’clock steering positions (60%). Although several choices conform to ergonomic guidelines, others, such as the inability to alter seatbelt and headrest height, indicate a discrepancy between current practices and safety regulations. These findings are useful in enhancing the anthropometric applicability of crash test dummy configurations and guiding car interior design for Southeast Asian users. The results may be utilized to optimize crash test dummy positioning techniques, improve seat design ergonomics, and bolster vehicle safety assessments particular to ASEAN. It is advisable to bridge behavioral gaps through ergonomic education and adaptive design to improve real-world driver safety.

Perspectives on Different Interlocks and Reminders to Promote Seat Belt Utilization among ASEAN Drivers

2026-10-25T12:22:39+00:00

This study examines drivers' views on various interlocks and seat belt reminders, intending to increase compliance and awareness in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP). Questionnaires were distributed to a total of 1394 drivers from Malaysia (n=502), Indonesia (n=505), and Thailand (n=387). In total, five different extreme interlocks and six types of reminders were proposed, and the respondents' responses were analyzed. Key findings showed that Malaysians favored the interlock that prevents a vehicle from exceeding 25 km/h (32.5%), while Indonesians (49.1%) and Thais (36.4%) preferred the interlock that prevents the car from starting (switching on). Regarding the seat belt reminders, all three countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand) agree (43.4%, 37.2%, and 30.7%) that a buzzer or chime is the most effective seat belt reminder to use in vehicles. This study highlights the importance of customized strategies to improve seat belt use, offering insights for policymakers and automotive manufacturers to address safety challenges specific to ASEAN drivers.

Examining Malaysian Road Users' Understanding of Visual Aids: Addressing Comprehension Gaps to Enhance Road Safety

2026-10-25T12:31:18+00:00

Traffic control devices, such as road signs and markings, are crucial for road safety, but their effectiveness relies on proper user comprehension. This study examines how Malaysian drivers comprehend traffic signs and road markings, with a focus on how driving experience influences interpretation. Based on 444 valid survey responses, the study found that 6.3% of participants had experienced crashes due to sign misinterpretation. While signs like “No Stopping” and “Obstruction” were well understood, critical signs such as “Stop,” “Give Way,” and “Advanced Warning Sign” showed poor recognition. Statistical analysis revealed that eight signs – particularly temporary and regulatory types like the “Detour Sign,” “Yellow Box,” and “Road Works Sign” – were significantly misunderstood by novice drivers, who were up to 2.7 times more likely to misinterpret them compared to experienced drivers. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly for newer drivers. Visual learning tools, including infographics, social media campaigns, and refresher training, can help bridge knowledge gaps. Addressing high-risk groups and misunderstood signs can improve risk perception, reduce accidents, and enhance road safety. This study underscores the importance of continuous learning in fostering a safer driving culture.

The Role of Driver Behavior in Rear-End Collisions: A Systematic Literature Review

2026-10-25T11:51:54+00:00

Rear-end collisions represent a critical safety concern on Indonesian toll roads, accounting for approximately 35% of total accidents, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). Despite their frequency, limited research has explored the underlying factors contributing to these incidents. This study investigates the interplay between road geometry and driver behavior in exacerbating collision risks through a systematic literature review of 10 selected studies. Findings reveal that suboptimal geometric designs, particularly lane width variations, steep gradients, and sharp curves, contribute to erratic speed adjustments and 25% longer braking delays. Drivers' behavior exacerbates these risks, with only 40% maintaining safe following distances and average speeds exceeding limits by 10.1 km/h. Environmental factors like rain worsen conditions, increasing braking distances by 20% and creating dangerous 39 km/h speed differentials. The study identifies commercial drivers' safer practices (44-69 km/h) as evidence for professional training's effectiveness. Recommended solutions include standardizing lane designs, implementing dynamic speed systems, enhancing driver education, and deploying automated enforcement. These integrated strategies address both infrastructure and behavioral gaps while supporting ASEAN NCAP 2030 safety goals. The research provides policymakers with evidence-based interventions tailored to Indonesia's unique toll road challenges, emphasizing the need for geometric improvements combined with behavioral modifications to reduce rear-end collisions effectively.

Automotive Part Repair Using Metal Additive Manufacturing

2026-10-25T12:19:33+00:00

Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) is one of the Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies in which molten metal is deposited layer by layer to construct a 3D profile according to the programmed path and parameters. The technology has enormous potential in part repair applications due to its high deposition rate, low cost, and high flexibility characteristics offered. Those advantages make it preferable and have gained attention from industry and academia to promote circular manufacturing through part life span extension. Therefore, this paper will explore the potential of MAM in automotive parts repair, the current research and its application, and challenges in terms of standard compliance, end-user perception, and regulations that may limit the implementation of MAM in part repair. The outcomes of the work will support the agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13.