Consumer Behavior Towards Safer Car Purchasing Decisions

In Malaysia, the car safety level has been elevated through regulations and a consumer-based approach, i.e. the New Car Assessment Program in Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). Nevertheless, the availability of information on consumers\u27 car purchasing decisions towards safety is still limited in Malaysia. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating consumers\u27 purchasing decisions of their present cars and investigating their awareness of ASEAN NCAP. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among consumers visiting different car showrooms and dealer shops. The findings suggest that safety was considered as one of the top three factors by the respondents when purchasing their present cars. Awareness of ASEAN NCAP has increased as compared to a previous study. This information is essential for policy makers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to assist in setting priorities with regard to the promotion of car safety in the country

The influence of helmet certification in motorcycle helmets protective performance

The convenience of online shopping has increased access to a vast array of helmet options and deals for motorcyclists. However, the e-commerce enables an influx of unverified and potentially hazardous helmets lacking the rigorous quality control into the market, hence, placing unaware bargain seekers at risk. The non-certified variants questions in terms of impact protection abilities because they visually look similar to certified helmets. This study compared certified full face and open face helmets against their non-certified counterparts by analysing injury predictor metrics. Using a test rig simulating 5.58 ± 0.29 m/s impacts, an anthropomorphic test device wearing both helmet types and certification statuses measured peak resultant linear and angular accelerations, head injury criterion alongside brain injury criteria scores. The data revealed comparable side and rear impact performance between non-certified and certified helmets. However, frontal impacts exposed deficiencies without certification. The non-certified full face helmets registered over twice the peak linear acceleration of certified while open face types still exceeded certified by 40% in frontal impacts. Additionally, non-certified full face helmets indicated up to 100% predicted concussion risks in side and frontal crashes based on the angular accelerations. The poorer frontal impact and elevated injury odds demonstrate certification's key safety advantages that certification should not be ignored while it still providing more protection than no helmet. However, individual needs to carefully select helmets due to performance differences of helmets. Riders should ultimately prioritize proven protection given the severe consequences of head trauma though non-certified may suffice for some low-risk environments

Development of Tata super ace finite element model

Finite Element Method (FEM) widely used to solve engineering problems and mathematical models. In this paper, Tata Super Ace was chosen as a model of vehicle to generate finite element model on its body structure called chassis. It also presents a detailed finite element model of a Super Ace Tata model called meshing. In this study, mesh is made based on Finite Element Model. Meshing is carried out through Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Software called Altair Hyperworks. As the result of these efforts, the finite element vehicle model was developed with the following characteristics: number of parts 3544, number of nodes 3 million, and number of elements 3 million. The average element size used is 8 mm with a minimum size of 4 mm. Thus, the model can successfully be used in computational frontal impacts analysis

Development Of Smart Vehicle Blind Spot Detection System Based On 24 GHz Radar Sensors

Road safety has become more concern due to the number of accidents that keeps increasing every year. The safety system includes from simple installation such as seat belt, air bag and rear camera to more complicated and intelligent system such as braking assist, lane change assist and blind spot monitoring. This paper proposed a Smart Vehicle Blind Spot Detection System (VBDS) to observe the blind spot region based on ISO 17387: 2008(E). This system is mounted with two programmable 24 GHz radar sensors on the left and right rear side of the car. In addition, this system provides an audible and visual alert to the driver if the system senses any vehicles in the blind spot region using buzzer and LED, respectively. To analyze the performance of the system, test had been conducted at different demography condition. The accuracy of the system is analyzed by comparing number of vehicles detected within blind spot region and ground truth data. This system will alert the driver automatically to ensure the driver safety and reduce road accident. As conclusion, the system had been proofed applicable to use at different demography condition

The intention to purchase safer car in Singapore: an application of theory of planned behaviour

Vehicles with safety and crash-avoidance features are believed to reduce crashes and are saving lives. This study aims to identify the factors that influence safer car purchasing. It is proposed in this paper that consumers’ purchase intention can be explained by three factors which are attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control by using the Theory of Planned Behavior. A sample of 81 respondents in Singapore were selected to participate in this study. Analyses of data include Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression. Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between attitude and perceived behavioral control towards the safer car purchase intention

A Review on Automotive Tires Significant Characteristic Identification for General Consumers

A tire serves various types of services and distance overs its lifespan. Moreover, for the safety and comfort of vehicle occupants, tire performance is critical. An assessment of literatures on tire-related properties that contribute to better safety performance was conducted in this study. The review elaborates on the most discussed topics from the overall reviewed articles. This study highlights the significant characteristics that be further implemented in tires for specific situations or general consumers. It was determined that tire wear is resulted from several factors. Increasing slip angles cause higher abrasion and temperature on tire surface. Modelling of wear rate can be done realistically with computation. From the review, it is also known that knowledge of tire-pavement and/or ice interactions behavior is improving. Semi-empirical methods in simulation of tire and terrain interactions are a promising candidate for use in multi-body dynamic software (MBS) simulation and vehicle simulations. Thermal aging in rubber tires will result in lower tensile strength. Production of tire wear particles increase 2–3 fold with abrasion from increased slip angles. Carbon back type N220 possess the best tensile, tear, and conductivity qualities. Overall, not much information was able to be obtained with regards to types of tires. Nonetheless research on tire safety performance should be extended so that each of tire component can be continuously improved to enhance tire safety criteria, particularly among the less discussed areas, such as commercial vehicle tires

Pedal Error Naturalistic Driving Study Among Malaysian Drivers

The article discussed about pedal misapplication or pedal error among Malaysian drivers. The variability of driver’s foot movement could result in an error in foot placement. The farther the foot from the intended pedal, the larger the potential errors to occur while hitting the pedal. The goals of this research are to conduct a study to determine the Malaysian driver’s foot placement on pedal and the total emergency braking response during the normal driving and emergency braking situation, and also to define the sources of foot placement errors and factors which contributing to the wrong pedal placement among Malaysian drivers. The scopes of this research are to develop a test setup to determine the foot placement on pedal by using video observation and measure the total emergency braking response by using force sensor, to determine the source of foot placement errors and to define the factors contributing to the wrong pedal placement. The study is limited to automatic transmission car, Malaysian drivers aged from 20 to 65 years old. In order to conduct the naturalistic driving test, an instrumented car is prepared and equipped with some important instruments such as cameras, force pressure sensor, light cue device, audio cue device and Arduino hardware. A study has been successfully conducted to determine the Malaysian driver’s foot placement on the pedal during the emergency braking. According to our research, 10% of the participants from the driving study conducted use both legs while driving and press the brake pedal using their left foot during emergency braking. It is dangerous for other drivers because the brake light can turn on at any time, causing other drivers to become distracted

Factors contributing to the pedal error or pedal misplacement among malaysian car drivers : A survey

The driver’s foot movement is unpredictable, which could lead to an error in foot placement. The farther the foot is from the target pedal, the more likely it is to make an error while pressing the pedal. The purpose of this study is to identify the mistakes and factors that contribute to incorrect pedal placement among Malaysian drivers. In addition, to learn more about the elements which cause road accidents in Malaysia. An online survey was carried out to collect the data for the study using the Google Form platform. According to the survey, the study was successful in determining foot placement on the pedal by Malaysian drivers when driving, as well as the factors, which contribute to incorrect foot placement on the pedal and road accidents in Malaysia. A total of 321 responses with age range between 20 and 60 years old participated in the survey. Based on the survey, 10% of the respondents are using both legs while driving and use their left foot to press the brake pedal in an automatic transmission car. The study also discovered various sources and causes that contribute to Malaysian drivers’ wrong pedal placement, including being surprised, interrupted, and confused

Non-Driving Related Activities Inside an Automated Vehicle Among Malaysia Passengers

The advancement of automotive technology has led to the development of automated vehicles. The trend of passengers performing non-driving-related activities during travel was expected to continue in the future of automated vehicles. It is essential to discover the type of activities that the users prefer to improve the interior design of an automated vehicle. Past studies show that every country has different preferred non-driving related activities. The main objective of this study is to collect data on preferred non-driving related activities, specifically by Malaysians, using online questionnaires. 293 respondents answered the questionnaires in six (6) months. As a result, the top three (3) non-driving related activities in Malaysia are listening to music, calling or texting, and interacting with others. In addition, the most preferred seating position as a passenger, the most suitable travel duration to perform non-driving related activities uninterrupted, and the preferred seating configuration of the automated vehicle were also discovered. The outcome of this study will add knowledge for designing better future automated vehicles suitable for Malaysian users

The comparison of intention to purchase safer car between Malaysia and Indonesia: an application of theory of planned behaviour

Due to the rise of car culture, cars have become faster and smarter. Every vehicle has different features to ensure the safety of the car, with most of the cars were equipped with advanced safety features. There is a rapid urbanization and motorization in Malaysia and Indonesia. Hence, this paper presents the comparison of the behavioural intention to purchase safer cars between Malaysia and Indonesia based on Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify consumers’ behaviour. The questionnaires were distributed in Malaysia and Indonesia with 500 each. An application of TPB is used for this study. The results indicate that Malaysians shows more positive attitude and greater perceived behavioural control compared to Indonesians, hence Malaysians have stronger intention to purchase safer vehicles. Otherwise, social pressure has a greater impact on Indonesians to convince them in safer car purchasing because they are high in numbers for the overall percentage compared to Malaysians