Assessing retro-reflective markers (RRMs) usage on heavy vehicles with respect to MS 828:2011

Abstract

Malaysia is continuously developing and enhancing the safety system and policies for road users. One of the essential elements of safety is a good marking and thus the visibility of vehicles on the road. Since 2011, MS 828:2011 has been gazetted to guide industry on the right specification to follow with regards to RRMs. However, the RRMs that being used by heavy and long vehicle including in the current market were not up to the standard. Thus, the objectives of this study is to identify the current status of RRMs in Malaysia besides to measure the photometric values of current RRMs and to determine the usage rate of substandard RRMs on heavy vehicles and current market. Market surveillance and sample testing were conducted to determine on current RRMs usage and to analyse the RRMs with respect to MS 828:2011. As a result, 62% of RRMs condition on heavy vehicles are still not in a good condition or covered by dust. Also, only 4% of the RRMs sample complied to MS 828:2011. From this paper, it can be concluded that majority or 96% of the RRMs in current market and have been used by current heavy vehicles are substandard markings.