Safety Issues Related to Bald Tires in Heavy Vehicles: A Case Study of the Kluang–Mersing Highway (FT50)

Abstract

Road safety in Malaysia continues to face challenges, particularly on federal highways such as the Kluang–Mersing Highway (FT50), which is heavily used by lorries, trailers and buses transporting goods and passengers between inland towns and the coastal region. A recurring safety concern is the use of bald or excessively worn tires, which reduce traction, braking efficiency, and vehicle stability, and significantly increase the likelihood of blowouts and severe crashes. Tires are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road surface, and when their tread depth falls below the legal limit, particularly for heavy vehicles carrying large loads and operating with higher momentum. This study investigates the impact of bald tire usage among heavy vehicles on FT50 through a mixed-methods approach that combines roadside observations, structured surveys with 30 drivers. Findings indicate that nearly one-third of observed vehicles operated with unsafe tires, largely due to high replacement costs, operational demands, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The study concludes that bald tire usage represents a systemic safety issue shaped by economic pressures, regulatory gaps, and cultural attitudes toward compliance. It recommends continuous inspections, financial support mechanisms for operators, targeted awareness campaigns, and the integration of intelligent transport technologies to reduce risks and strengthen Malaysia’s road safety culture.