Effectiveness of Seatbelts in Reducing Injuries and Deaths Among Express Bus Passengers

Muhammad Bukhari Karia, Ahmad Khushairy Makhtar

Abstract


Passenger safety in express bus is an urgent concern in Malaysia as accidents continue to cause severe injuries and deaths. Seatbelts, long proven to reduce accident severity, are now required on all express bus following regulations introduced in July 2025. However, passenger compliance remains low despite the availability of seatbelts. This study examines the effectiveness of seatbelt use in reducing injuries and fatalities among express bus passengers. Using passenger questionnaires, on board observations, the research evaluates both safety outcomes and passenger behaviour. Findings reveal that wearing seatbelts significantly lowers the risk of serious injury or death, yet low awareness, comfort issues, and weak enforcement limit consistent use. The study underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns, stricter regulation, and improved seatbelt design to enhance safety and save lives.


Keywords


Express bus safety, Seatbelt effectiveness, Passenger compliance, Road accident prevention, Malaysia

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.25292/atlr.v8i0.762

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