A review of motorcycle helmet studies in Malaysia: Are we doing enough
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/Keywords:
helmet wearing , traffic safety , reviewAbstract
Motorcycle safety remains a critical challenge in Malaysia, where motorcyclists account for approximately 50% of all road fatalities. While extensive research has demonstrated that helmet use significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries, the reality indicates persistently low helmet-wearing rates, especially in rural areas, despite the enforcement of helmet laws since 1973. This study conducts a comprehensive review of past research to identify key gaps that hinder helmet compliance and contribute to high motorcycle casualty rates. A total of 32 relevant articles on helmet use in Malaysia were retrieved from the Google Scholar database and categorized into four thematic clusters: behavioral studies, clinical studies, helmet specifications, and enforcement. Surprisingly, the findings consistently noted low helmet-wearing rates among child riders and the widespread use of nonstandard helmets. A key conclusion drawn from these past studies underscores the crucial role of law enforcement in improving helmet compliance. The findings shed important insights into the policymaking and reinforce the strategies or initiatives to enhance motorcycle safety in Malaysia
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