Article Type: Research Article Article Citation: Siti Aishah Yahya, Nor Azam Ramli, Syabiha
Shith, and Nur Baitul Izati Rasli. (2020). ASSESSMENT ON MARKING SPECIFICATION
OF REAR SIDE OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES IN MALAYSIA. International Journal of
Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 8(9), 283-295. https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v8.i9.2020.1572 Received Date: 14 September 2020 Accepted Date: 30 September 2020 Keywords: Conspicuity Lorries Rear Accidents Rear Marking Visibility A vehicle's conspicuity is determined by the colour and pattern of painted surfaces, height, lighting system, reflectorization and fluorescent markings. In Malaysia, the better visibility of heavy goods vehicles has to be marked with retroreflective marking. The objectives of the study to analyse percentages of marking requirement that compliant with the MS 828:2011. The study was conducted at Jawi Toll Plaza, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m for three days. As a result, the highest compliance level of marking requirement was 96% which is box truck two axles. Meanwhile, other categories were between 17% to 91%. Many HGVs were not installing rear-end marking type 5, while all trucks and trailers with a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3500 kg and above had to be marked with Type 5 (contour marking) as of 1 July 2019. Some improvement needed to reduce the severity and the number of road accidents by recommended a safe following distance.
1. INTRODUCTIONConspicuity issues may contribute to the rear end and
underride truck accidents. Rear-end truck crash happens when heavy trucks are
driving at a slower speed than other vehicles. This high-speed differential
between heavy vehicles and other vehicles will lead to possible collisions on
the rear end [1].
Conspicuity plays a significant role, mainly involved in the accident at night.
Bad visible of the night's rigid or articulated truck where drivers failed to
see the truck turning off on the road, turning and driving ahead [2].
The truck can be more visible by labelling retro-reflective labels on the sides
and rear of commercial vehicles. Malaysia has been listed as the third-highest number of death in road accident since in 2011 among the other countries [3]. The state of Selangor has the highest rate of accidents and keep increasing from 100 380 in 2008 to 154 958 in 2017. The total motor vehicle involved in road accidents by trucks or lorry risen from 48 250 in 2008 to 53 0438 in 2011. It decreased to 34 942 in 2015 due to the safety measures taken by the government [4]. Brightness and conspicuity are two factors influencing the visibility of a heavily stationary vehicle. The luminance of a truck parked on the shoulder at night is based on the lights of the truck and the retro-reflective tape. Conspicuity is dependent on the colour and brightness of the natural environment [5]. Meanwhile, factors affect the visibility of a heavy moving vehicle included insufficient visibility issues. Low visibility caused by obstructions such as hazards may result in dangerous situations involving the driver himself as well as other road users. They may also see all or a portion of the situation but not have sufficient visual cues to be able to assess their danger of collision. In the case of underride truck crashes, they may see the large truck as moving in their lane of travel, may misjudge the truck's speed and their closing speed or distance with the truck [5]. Thus, this study evaluates the marking requirement and analyse percentages of marking requirement related to the conspicuity rear of the heavy vehicles that compliant the MS 828:2011. Increase the visibility and conspicuity it may be helpful to safety measures taken on the psychological phenomena that drivers encounter. 1.1. REAR AND SIDE MARKING SPECIFICATION1.1.1. RETROREFLECTIVE IN MALAYSIA The implementation of MS 828:2011 has been
enforced on 1 January 2017 and all heavy vehicles with maximum
gross vehicle weight (GVW) 3500kg and above to be compulsory to install
retroreflective rear marking in Malaysia. In July 2019
legislation made marking to MS828:2011 mandatory on new trucks and trailers with maximum
gross vehicle weight (GVW) 3500kg and above have to be marked with side marking and also contour marking has to be from
highly reflective materials which can guarantee better visibility during night
and poor weather conditions. Buses also need to
be equipped with reflective rear marking [6]. Germany has presented a proposal that United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe UNECE Regulation 48 should be revised, thus the installation
of retro-reflective markings for a vehicle of categories M3, N3,
O3 and O4 should be compulsory [7]. UN Regulation 104
applies to retro-reflective markings for vehicles of category M2, M3,
N1, N2, N3, O1, O2, O3 and O4. UN Regulation
48 concerns the type-approval of vehicles that set out installation
requirements for vehicle light. Meanwhile, Regulation 104 contains performance
requirements for retro-reflective markings for specific categories of vehicles. 1.2. VISIBILITY AND CONSPICUITY MARKINGSIt could be useful
to improve the visibility and conspicuity markings for safety measures taken on
the psychological phenomena encountered by drivers. Colour and Brightness: Color of the vehicle will impact brightness.
The vehicle colour selected for commercial vehicles reflects as much light as
possible during daytime and nighttime conditions [5]. Increasing reflectivity contributes
directly to an increase in brightness. A study on emergency vehicle conspicuity
by the National Bureau of Standards suggests that light-coloured vehicles are
more conspicuous at night. Photometric Specifications: The marking must follow the minimum values for the retroreflection
coefficient. The retroreflection coefficient values for yellow and red should
be 300cd.m-2. lx-1 and 120 cd.m-2. lx-1,
respectively [8], as indicated in MS 828:2011. Size Marking: Malaysian Standard 828:2011 stated the
position to install the five types of rear and side marking, as shown in Figure
1. All heavy vehicles, particularly lorries and trailers, should be fitted with
rear-end markings to provide information and warnings to other drivers. The
Malaysian Standard should be referred for the measurement of the plate,
retroreflective, coloured regions, and the proportions of the letters for the
vehicles [9]. Figure 1: SIRIM Certified Commercial Vehicles Rear and
Side Markings [10]. 1.3. RETRO- REFLECTIVE CHARACTERISTICSThe retroreflective coefficient, as
shown in Figure 2, can be defined as the amount of retroreflected light as the
function of the viewing angle [11]. Using equations (1) and (2), the retroreflective equation
coefficient can be determined.
α = tan-1 (1) Where: s = distance
between eye and projector d = distance
between viewer and screen α = viewing angle The equation indicates that the viewing
angle decreases with the increasing viewer to screen distance and decreasing
eye to projector distance. Figure 2: Retroreflective
Coefficient
Rc (α) = Pd (α)
(2) 0.5 × Ps Where: Rc (α) = Retro- reflective coefficient of
transparent screen Pd (α) = Detected
power at viewing angle Ps = Power measured at sample position 1.4. RETRO-REFLECTIVE MATERIALSRetroreflective materials contain
spherical glass bead and prismatic components same as applied on highway signs and lane markings. Thousands of tiny glass
beads that are bonded to the street with a higher durability binder are one of
highly effective retroreflective paint. The 30-meter Observation Distance
Geometry norm was chosen because it closely meets what a typical passenger car
driver sees while seeing the vehicle 30 metres ahead at night [13]. Exposed-bead designs achieve higher visibility but are more easily
affected by abrasion, and eventually lose reflectivity when wet [14]. Materials based on prisms also affect
the efficiency of the material. There are three mutually perpendicular surfaces
within the corner of a square, which transmit light in the direction of
incidence. Cube corner reflectors are usually brighter than glass bead
materials at small angles between the cube axis and the observation direction.
However, as the angle increases, they display a sharper relative reduction in
brightness [14]. 1.5. FLUORESCENT MATERIALSStudy on fluorescent
colour brightness and conspicuity acknowledge that these colours are easier to
see than non-fluorescent colours [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. Besides, fluorescent materials are observed
at greater distances and with a more detailed colour perception than
non-fluorescent materials. They often assist drivers to quickly recognise and
respond to new road conditions, which can help minimise accidents over
time. Thus, especially when considering an application to
daytime truck conspicuity, is the fact that fluorescent colours were found to
be more attention-getting in peripheral vision than are ordinary pigments. The
disadvantage of fluorescent materials is their limited lifetime with
ultraviolet exposure. The possible maximum around two years in most outdoor
situations and a useful lifetime can be as short as 3 to 6 months [14]. 1.6. SELECTION OF CONSPICUITY MARKING PRODUCTVisibility, longevity, brightness, ease
of maintenance and cleaning were the basis of the selection of conspicuous
materials. Highly reflective when viewed directly from behind heavy vehicle
even under the well-lit road. However, it still highly reflective in larger
viewing angle during overtaking and significant even the truck itself is barely
visible. 3M MS828:2011 product provides the highly visible in the daytime in
the shadow and low contrast environment. The sheeting is allowed for five years
when using as rear and side marking, and the face is vertical at 90° ± 10°.
Clean with a sponge, cloth, soft brush using warm water and detergent. The
cleaner must be wet, non- abrasive, without strong solvents and have pH value
between 3 and 11. To remove grease, oil and tar use cloth moistened with
heptane or mineral spirits. Wash with detergent and water hence, rinse
thoroughly. Use high-pressure cleaning equipment based on the following
criteria. The conditions should be applied at maximum pressure 80 bar, maximum
temperature 60°C, minimum of the 1-meter distance of cleaning jet from sheeting
surface, cleaning wand to be held at less than 15° from perpendicular to the
sheeting surface and wide spray pattern [15]. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS2.1. STUDY AREAA site investigation was conducted to identify the rear marking
availability and lighting components on the trucks and lorries in Malaysia.
Lorries and trucks were observed at Jawi Toll Plaza in Nibong Tebal, Pulau
Pinang, Malaysia (37°25ʹ19.1ʺN 122°05ʹ06ʺW) shown in Figure 3. 2.2. DATA COLLECTION
Based on the Tritech Sdn. Bhd. [10], heavy goods vehicles
in Malaysia can be categorised into the rigid truck and a semi-trailer
truck. About 830 lorries were observed,
and data can be categorised into seven vehicle types included cargo
semi-trailer, tank trailer, box truck five axles, box truck two axles, garbage
truck, dumper tipper truck and cargo truck as shown in Figure 4. The rear
markings effectively illuminate the outline of a vehicle at night by reflection
from the headlights of vehicles following behind. In Malaysia, five types of
the rear and side marking specify by Malaysian Standard (MS) 828:2011. Based on
the Tritech Safety Sdn. Bhd., all truck and lorry with maximum gross vehicle
weight (GVW) 3500kg and above to be compulsory to install retroreflective rear
marking type 1 and 5. Figure 3: Jawi Toll Plaza in
Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang Figure 4: Types of Heavy Goods
Vehicles The video camera was used to capture several
commercial trucks from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm. The proper
techniques for setting up, handling and using tripods are listed below: 1)
Adjust the legs so that
they stand stably on the ground. Release the tensioners on the legs and raise
them to the height of about 1meter from the ground, as shown in Figure 5. Next, attach
a camera to the tripod before setting the tripod, but the camera will be safer if set up the base first. It is most important to
consider during extension of the legs; they are securely locked in place before
mounting the camera. Figure 5: Height of the Tripod 2)
After that, screw the
camera onto the tripod. The camera might screw directly onto the tripod
and might need to clamp it into place. It also needs to tighten screws to hold
the camera steady. Twist the pieces together until they are snugly joined. 3) The camera on the tripod should be able to swivel for pan
shots but can always move the rig to a more convenient spot. Make sure that the
tripod is level and stable when you shoot. More than 830 samples
of various lorries and trucks were collected randomly at Jawi Toll Plaza. The
observation distance between camera and rear of the heavy vehicle about 50m, as
shown in Figure 6. Figure 6: Observation Distance
between Camera and the Truck 2.3. DATA ANALYSISData analysis of rear-end marking on the heavy goods vehicles (HGV)
using equation (3) and (4). More than 830
samples of various lorries and trucks were collected randomly at Jawi Toll
Plaza. The compliance
rate on the number of installations of rear-end markings which were compliant
to MS 828:2011. 2.4. MARKING REQUIREMENT
Percentages rear end markings (%) = x 100%
(3) WHERE: NP = Number of lorry passes the marking requirement N = Total number of lorry Example using equation (3) for cargo semi-trailer for marking
requirement type 1: Percentages rear end markings (%) = x 100%
(4)
= 88 x 100%
100
= 88% Compliances Percentages rear end markings (%) = x 100% where: NC = Number of lorry comply with
the marking requirement N = Total number of lorry Example using equation (4) for cargo semi-trailer that complies with
type 1 and 4: Percentages rear end markings (%)= x 100%
= 75 x 100%
100
= 75% 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONSThe rear markings effectively illuminate the outline of a
vehicle at night by reflection from the headlights of vehicles following
behind. In Malaysia provided five types of the rear and side marking specified
by Malaysian Standard (MS) 828:2011. Rear-end marking that complies with MS
828: 2011, shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Retroreflective Rear
Marking Type 1 and 5 3.1. COMPLIANCE LEVEL
Percentages of marking
requirement on the types of HGVs displayed in Table 1. Based on the Tritech
Sdn. Bhd., heavy goods vehicles in Malaysia can be categorised into a rigid
truck and a semi-trailer truck. Semi-trailer truck included cargo semi-trailer,
tank trailer and box truck five axles. Besides that, rigid truck include; box
truck two axles, garbage truck, cargo truck, and dumper truck. 3.2. MARKING REQUIREMENT ON HEAVY GOODS VEHICLESFrom Figure 8, cargo semi-trailer, tank trailer and a box truck, five
axles must be equipped with type 1, 4 and 5. Tank trailer that had the highest
percentages rear end marking type 1 with 96%. Cargo semi-trailer shows the
lowest rates for marking requirement type 1 with 88%. Meanwhile, the box truck
five axles show the highest percentages rear end marking type 4 with 96%. Tank
trailer has the lowest percentage of marking type 4 with 78%. However, only 2%
tank trailer had markers type 5 installed and the remaining trailer no install
markers type 5. Figure 9 shows 75% of cargo
semi-trailer equipped with rear-end marking type 1 and 4 and 25% not meet the
marking requirement. The analysis also indicates that tank trailer has the
lowest percentage of marking type 1 and 4 with 74%. It also shows that 26% does
not meet compliances. Any vehicle towing a trailer or semi-trailer could be
described as articulated. Thus, tank truck can be described as an articulated
truck. Berces [16] reported that from an overview of numerous
vehicle accidents, it usually involves articulated trucks, rigid trucks, buses
and other road users. The highest number of deaths involved in articulated
trucks related accident between October 2009 to September 2010 was 120
deaths. It will possibly also play a
significant role in these incidents due to visibility conditions. Improving the
visibility of heavy vehicles will help to minimise the number of crashes and
avoid them. However, the box truck shows the highest rear end marking type 1 and 4
with 91%, as shown in Figure 9. It also shows only 9% not meet the marking
requirements. As mentioned by Schmidt- Clausen [17], results of increased truck visibility
demonstrated that 41% reduction of rear-end crashes and 37% decrease of side
impacts could be achieved by applying reflective, outline markings on heavy
vehicles. The data analysis also showed that without conspicuity markers, the
probability of a collision between a truck and a car was 30 times greater. Meanwhile, 0% of semi-trailer truck observed at the observation area no
comply with rear-end marking type 1, 4 and 5, as shown in Figure 9. This
indicates that these trailer in Malaysia no have type 5 rear end marking
installed. Based on Road Department Malaysia, the legislation made marking to
MS828:2011 mandatory on new trucks and trailers with maximum gross vehicle
weight (GVW) 3500kg and above had marked with type 5 (contour marking) in July
2019. Table 1: Marking Requirement
on the Types of Heavy Goods Vehicles
Figure 8: Percentages Marking Requirement
on Semi-trailer Truck Figure 9: Percentages Marking
Compliance on Semi-trailer Truck Rigid truck included box truck two axles, garbage truck, cargo truck, and
dumper tipper truck should be equipped with type 1 and type 5 markers. From
Figure 10, box truck two axles represent the highest percentages rear end
marking types 1 with 96%. Meanwhile, the garbage truck had rear end marking type 1 with 17% and the remaining
83% of installed markers type 1 was found to be either in bad condition or had
segments missing. Rear marking type 5 had a significant role in the accidents
by improving heavy vehicle visibility that helps to reduce and prevent the
number of collisions. The relative performances of ECE 104 and ECE 70. were
examined by Cook [18]. Results showed that the most noticeable
contour markings as presented in ECE 104 are. Also, full-contour markings are
the most effective in contrast with line-markings. However, 0% of rigid truck observed at the observation area not equipped
with marking type 5, as shown in Figure 10. According to the analysis in Figure 11,
percentage marking compliance of the truck, box truck two axles represents
highest percentages marking compliance type 1 with 96% and the remaining only
4% not meet marking requirement. Furthermore, cargo and dumper truck show
percentages marking that not comply with 11% and 16% respectively. This show
cargo and dumper truck are marked with the poor design such that the marking
obscured by any goods or canvas cover at any time and reduce visibility to
other road users. The garbage truck contributes higher percentages among others
truck about 83% not meet the requirement. The higher percentage of this type of
compliance involving garbage truck due to the rear marking not maintained in a clean,
bad condition and not install marking requirement while using the road. Dirt on the tape significantly decreased
its rear-impact efficacy. As reported by Lawton [19], various circumstances such as different lighting conditions,
weather conditions, soil and characteristics of the observer have been
investigated in some research in which retroreflective tape maybe most or least
effective and therefore most useful in its use. Studies on the retroreflective
output of tape under varying degrees of soil, according to Schmidt-Clausen [17]. For example, markings near the lower part of the vehicle nearest
to the road are more vulnerable to dirt build-up and are therefore likely to be
less effective. Amirudin et al. [20] studied this problem at Sungai Buloh Rest Area for 100 samples
from both lorries and trucks. The results show that condition of
retroreflective on the rigid lorry was 20% in good condition, 66% was covered
by dirt and 14% having missing segment compared to the articulated lorry with
good, covered with dirt and the missing segment of 16%, 58% and 26%,
respectively. Figure 10: Percentages Marking
Requirement on Truck Figure 11: Percentages Marking
Compliance on Truck 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONSBased on the findings
from this study, it is found that the highest
compliance level of marking requirement was 96% which is box truck two axles.
Meanwhile, other categories were between 17% to 91%. Rear-end marking type 5
was not being installed by any HGVs, although all trucks and trailers with
maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) 3500kg and above were compulsory to be
marked with type 5 (contour marking) starting on 1 July 2019. This shows observations were conducted on the number of installations of rear
markings should make some improvement to reduce the severity and the number of road accidents, especially
rear-end and under ride collisions by recommended a safe following distance. SOURCES OF FUNDINGThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. CONFLICT OF INTERESTThe author have declared that no competing interests exist. ACKNOWLEDGMENTThanks to Environmental Assessment and Clean Air Research
(ECAR) and RTD, Pulau Pinang. REFERENCES
[3]
International
Transport Forum (2013), Annual Report 2013.
[17] Schmidt-Clausen, H.J. ed., 2001. Proceedings
of the Symposium. Herbert Utz Verlag.
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