In the wake of the December 23 PLUS Ayer Keroh crash that claimed seven lives, among the preventive measures proposed is for the government to make periodic vehicle maintenance compliance records a prerequisite for the approval of diesel subsidy applications for commercial vehicle companies, Bernama reports.
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Faculty of Technology Management and Business, head of the Manufacturing Technology Management Focus Group, senior lecturer Mohamed Ismail KP Pakir Mohamed believes such a measure would compel company owners to ensure their heavy vehicles are roadworthy.
“This requires commitment. It is time for company owners to be accountable for ensuring their heavy vehicles are safe on the road. They must allocate funds for maintenance costs in their business plans.
“They can emulate commercial vehicle companies in Japan by appointing safety officers responsible for inspecting the condition of vehicles before they leave or return to company premises or project sites,” he told Bernama recently, suggesting also that the government could provide incentives, such as tax exemptions, for companies that demonstrate outstanding compliance.
A total of 12 accidents involving heavy vehicle tyres detaching have been reported nationwide from 2012 to this year, the latest being the Ayer Keroh crash, where a tour bus swerved to avoid a detached lorry tyre and crashed into three vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM), head of the Road Safety Research Centre, associate professor Dr Law Teik Hua, proposed that the government mandate all commercial vehicles to be equipped with speed-limiting devices and tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) – the latter also suggested by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
“Tyres are among the most critical components. They pose a risk of detachment and can also burst, causing drivers to lose control due to pressure, especially when carrying heavy loads.
“With TPMS and controlled speed, tyre conditions can be continuously monitored while driving, and drivers can safely stop their vehicles if necessary,” Law explained.
He also suggested that mandatory periodic inspections and maintenance of heavy vehicles, currently conducted every six months, be adjusted based on distance travelled.
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Why lorry tyres detaching is a mystery. Only reason was it wasn’t screwed on or nuts were not tight enough.
Best to check when puspakom inspection was done to ensure proper tyres were not exchanged after inspection for worn out ones.
Jist engage special Runner to settle failed paspukom inspection 100% approved later.
Thats the easiest way a tire will become detached but not the only reason.
If u notice in some racing series especially those which regulates usage of factory parts on the wheel assembly, the mech will retorque the wheel lugs during pit stop. There are reason for this even when its properly tighten before the race starts.
A simple locking mechanism locking the lugs with the one next to it can easily prevent failure from improperly torque wheel lugs.