Lorry crash: Tech is no magic bullet, responsible driving remains crucial - Police

SHAH ALAM - Driver behavior and road conditions are paramount in ensuring road safety, but technology can be a valuable ally.

Federal Police Traffic Enforcement Department Director Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri stressed the importance of speed limit capture technology in encouraging adherence to speed limits, thereby reducing collisions.

He advocated for technology gadgets in trucks and lorries, including collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and driver monitoring systems.

"Speed limit capturing technology can help reduce accidents by encouraging drivers to adhere to speed limits, thereby decreasing the likelihood of collisions and improving overall road safety.

"Installing technology gadgets in trucks and lorries can potentially reduce accidents by providing features like collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and driver monitoring systems.

"These technologies can help lorry drivers stay alert, detect potential hazards, and take preventive actions, thereby enhancing overall safety on the roads," he told Sinar Daily when contacted.

However, he also said that while technology can be beneficial, it's not a guarantee of accident prevention, as factors like driver behavior, road conditions, and other external factors still play significant roles in road safety.

"While technology can be beneficial, it's not a guarantee of accident prevention, as factors like driver behavior, road conditions, and other external factors still play significant roles in road safety," he added.

Meanwhile, he said the incorporation of technology gadgets in heavy vehicles can contribute to reducing accidents and saving lives by providing additional safety features and assisting drivers in avoiding potential hazards.

"Gadgets such as collision avoidance systems, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking can help prevent accidents or mitigate their severity.

"Features like driver monitoring systems can alert lorry drivers when they show signs of fatigue or distraction, further enhancing safety on the roads," he said.

While these gadgets cannot eliminate all accidents, Azman said they can certainly help reduce their frequency and severity, ultimately saving lives.

Talking more on lorry safety, Azman said the current regulations and enforcement measures play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of big trucks and lorries on the road.

"Regulations about truck safety typically cover areas such as vehicle standards, driver qualifications, hours of service, and load securement.

"When effectively enforced, these regulations can help reduce the likelihood of accidents by ensuring that trucks are well-maintained, operated by qualified drivers, and adhere to safety standards," he said.

Commenting further, Azman said enforcement measures, including inspections, audits, and penalties for non-compliance, are essential for ensuring that regulations are followed.

"Inspections by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies help identify safety violations and ensure corrective actions are taken.

"Penalties for non-compliance serve as deterrents and encourage adherence to safety regulations.

"Overall, current regulations and enforcement measures are important pillars of truck safety and very effective," he reasoned.

However, he stressed that there is always room for improvement to ensure their effectiveness is at the highest level in safeguarding lives and preventing accidents on the road.

Last year, it was reported that the Transport Ministry is conducting a study on the use of a new surveillance camera that is able to capture and recognise vehicles using digital plates as a measure to improve and reduce the risk of accidents in the country.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the new features found in the camera are expected to be able to detect the driver, vehicle licence, and capture the speed level of the vehicle, thus facilitating enforcement.

"MOT and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) are researching and considering a new direction with regard to the Automatic Awareness Safety System (Awas) cameras...perhaps these cameras will be added but not in the current form (Awas), at new locations," he was reported saying.