Heavy Vehicles Safety
Guidelines and tips for staying safe around heavy vehicles, highlighting the risks and precautions for drivers and road users on Malaysia’s roads.
Heavy Vehicles Safety
Heavy vehicles such as lorries, trailers, buses, and cargo transporters play an essential role in Malaysia’s transportation system. However, their size and weight mean they carry higher risks on the road, especially on highways and major routes.
MKJR encourages all drivers and road users to understand the unique safety considerations related to heavy vehicles to help reduce crashes and improve overall road safety.
Safety Responsibilities for Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Key safety responsibilities for heavy vehicle drivers, covering vehicle inspections, safe driving practices, and fatigue management to ensure road safety.
Vehicle Inspection
- Conduct daily pre-trip inspections, including brakes, tyres, lights, and reflective markings.
- Ensure cargo is properly secured and does not exceed permitted weight limits.
- Avoid uneven load distribution, which may affect vehicle stability.
Driving Behaviour
- Maintain a safe following distance, as heavy vehicles require a much longer stopping distance.
- Drive at safe speeds, especially during wet weather, in heavy traffic, or on hilly terrain.
- Use engine braking when travelling downhill to prevent brake fade.
- Signal early before changing lanes or making turns.
Fatigue Management
- Follow regulated driving and rest hours.
- Recognise early signs of fatigue such as drowsiness, drifting within the lane, or delayed reactions.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that cause drowsiness.
Safety Guidelines for Other Road Users Around Heavy Vehicles
Whether you drive a heavy vehicle or a smaller vehicle, road safety begins with awareness and courtesy. Give space, be patient, and respect the operational limits of heavy vehicles. Simple actions such as keeping a safe distance, avoiding blind spots, and signalling early can make a significant difference in preventing road crashes.
Stay Out of Blind Spots
Heavy vehicles have large blind spots at the front, rear, and both sides. If you cannot see the driver’s mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.
Safe Overtaking
Do not overtake on the left, and only overtake when you have clear visibility and enough space; after overtaking a heavy vehicle, never cut in abruptly as they cannot stop suddenly.
Give Space for Wide Turns
Lorries and buses often need to swing wide when turning. Keep a safe distance and avoid driving into the turning path.
Maintain Safe Following Distance
Driving too closely behind a heavy vehicle can result in severe underride collisions. Always leave extra space.