An Analysis of Motorcycle Rear-End Collisions Involving Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Malaysia

Abstract

The involvement of HGVs in crashes with motorcycles may be fatal due to the large vehicle size difference and other characteristics. However, the effects of rear-end collisions between HGVs and motorcycles are still limited in the literature. In this study, crash records from the police were examined to determine the characteristics of HGV collisions with motorcycles in Malaysia; with a focus on rear-end cases. The crash description in the police report was analysed to identify the pre-crash critical events according to the first collision type and location. The results indicated a high percentage of fatalities (63.3%) when motorcycles collided with HGVs in rear-end collisions. The number of HGVs hit by motorcycles was higher compared to the number of motorcycles hit by HGVs in rear-end crashes, with a ratio of 9:1. Motorcycle rear-end crashes with HGVs commonly occurred at traffic lights, junctions, exits and along roadside/emergency lanes and straight roads.