Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004

1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

ISSN : 1823-2868
A STUDY ON THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF
ROAD ACCIDENTS IN UiTM SHAH ALAM CAMPUS

Che Maznah Mat Isa1 & Juraidah Ahmad2

1
Development Division, UiTM, Shah Alam
2
Malaysia Institute of Transport (MITRANS), UiTM
chemaznah@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is one of the leading universities in Malaysia producing thousands of
graduates every year. UiTM was built in 1967, which covers 380 acre per square, now facing heavy physical
and infrastructure development with increasing number of students. Data acquired from Pusat Perancangan
Strategik, UiTM shows that the population of the student for the year 2002 in Shah Alam Campus alone is
43,713. The road network within the campus is heavily trafficked with both staffs and students vehicle and also
feeder buses provided by the University to the students who do not reside in the campus hostels. With
increasing number of vehicles, it was noted that number of road accidents in UiTM campus Shah Alam also
increases and has been a common problem in recent years. Apart from the increase number of student
population and vehicles, there are also other factors that cause accidents in the campus. Results also showed
that heavy traffic flow and reckless driving behavior as contributing factor to this scenario which makes the
situation even worse especially during peak hours. The physical condition and layout of road has also been
identified as a risk factor. Educating the students such on road safety and improved law enforcements should be
taken seriously in order to overcome these problems. This is very important as student factor has been identified
as the major contributor to the occurrence of the road accidents in UiTM, Shah Alam Campus.

Keywords : Road Accidents, Contributing Factors

1.0 Introduction

Road accidents cases in UiTM Shah Alam campus are common problems and data provided by “Unit
Keselamatan” UiTM Shah Alam Campus, estimated about 25,000 vehicles uses the road network in
the campus every day. In year 2002 alone, 32 accidents have been reported which is considered high
compared to the small campus community which should be accident-free zone. Figure 1 shows the
number of registered vehicles in UiTM Shah Alam Campus between years 1995 to 2002.

Registered Vehicles in UiTM Shah Alam

25000
21328
Numbe of vehicles

20000 17700
15186 14999
15000
11855
10000 8442
7286
5000

0
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002
Year

Figure 1: Number of Registered Vehicles

1
 Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004
1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

(Unit Keselamatan UiTM, 2003)

More than 40,000 students travel in and out of the campus daily and therefore, safety of these students
is one of the important issues to be considered. Road accidents in UiTM are happening every now
and then when the campus should be accident-free and safe for traveling. This study has provided
some insight or information on the cause of the road accidents from feedbacks of the road users.
Increasing number of road accidents in the campus has been a common problem in recent years due to
increase in student population and vehicles which are well noted as the contributing factor of the
accident occurrence. However, this study was carried out to identify the factors that contributed to
road accidents which is also associated with the driving behavior and attitude of the students and
physical condition of the road network within the campus. This is important in assisting UiTM “Unit
Keselamatan” Authority and management to strategize and resolve the problem.

2.0 Methodology

Primary data from questionnaire distributed to road users was designed and divided into three
sections; Section A comprises of the general information of the respondents such as gender, age and
type of vehicles; Section B, questions are intended to find their attitude and behavior during driving or
riding; and Section C looked at the satisfaction of the respondents on the physical condition of the
road in the campus. This study covers the main road network system in UiTM Shah Alam Campus
and most of the data obtained and analysed from the “Unit Keselamatan” and “Pusat Perancangan
Strategik” is from year 1995 to year 2002.

The actual number of samples is calculated based on single dichotomous stratification method. The
calculations used to determine the sample size is as follows:

N = (z / e )2 ( p ) ( 1- p )

Where:

N = sample size
Z = standard score corresponding to given confidence level
99% ( z=2.58 )
e = the proportion of sampling error in given situation
5% (0.05)
P = the estimated proportion (0.44)
No of student and staff (11888) to No total population
(52295)

Hence: 11888:52295 so its gives (p = 0.219)

(Note: Number of students and staffs used in the calculation above is based on number of vehicles
registered at Unit Keselamatan UiTM for the year 2002). Therefore :

N = (z / e)2 ( p ) ( 1- p )
N = (1.96 / 0.05)2 (0.219) (0.781)
N = 262.82
So choose N = 270

The number of respondents for this study comprises of 77.84 percent students and 22.14 percent staff.
This gave a total 210 numbers of respondents from students and 60 numbers of respondents from
UiTM Staffs..

2
 Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004
1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

3.0 Results and Discussion

The data were analyzed based on the objectives of the study and answers some hypotheses and other
related information that is significant to be added in discussions, recommendations and conclusions of
the study. Figures 2 and 3 show the number of accidents in UiTM Shah Alam Campus from year
1997 to 2002 and also the student population in the campus (Unit Keselamatan, UiTM). This number
is based on the reported cases but the actual number is believed to be slightly higher from those
reported. It is also believed that number of accident increases every year. Results showed that there
is a strong relationship between the increase in number of accidents and the increase number of
students in UiTM Shah Alam. This is due to the factor that many of the students have their own mode
of transportation which contributed to the increase numbers of vehicles in UiTM campus; more
vehicles means higher risk of accidents. Based on the interview with the “Unit Keselamatan” officers
of UiTM Shah Alam, they believed that number of accidents in campus is increasing every year and
the actual value cannot be determined due to unreported cases.

Number of Accidents In UiTM Year 1997 to 2002 Number of Stude nts

Student Population
Figure 402: Reported Number of Accidents
50000
47214
40 43713
33 32 37643
40000
No of Accident

No of students
30 31837
25 26760
20
30000 23169
20
20000
10
10000

0 0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year Ye ar

Figure 2: Reported Accident Cases Figure 3: Student Population

In this study, respondents aged between 17 to 25 years old are classified as young or immature
drivers. They represent 76.7 percent of the total respondents, while, those who aged between 26 to 31
and above are categorized as mature adults which represented 23.3 percent of the respondents. Figure
4 shows the breakdown of respondents classified by age group which showed 59 percent of
respondents are aged between 18 and 21 years old, 17.4 percent between the age of 22 and 25 years
old, 14.8 percent aged between 26 and 30 years old and 8.5 percent aged 31 years old and above.

AGE OF RESPONDENTS

70.0
59.3
60.0
PERCENTAGE

50.0
40.0
30.0
17.4
20.0 14.8
8.5
10.0
0.0
0.0
Below 17 18-21 22 - 25 26-30 31 and above
AGE

3
 Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004
1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

Figure 4 : Age of Respondents

Interestingly, the results in Figure 5 showed that more than 80 percent of the respondents admitted
that they normally break the rules while driving or riding. The high percentage of offenders is
contributed by the young drivers which is often associated with aggressive driving or riding behavior.

TENDENCY OF RESPONDENTS TO BREAK TRAFFIC

RULES.
80.0
80.0
70.0
60.0

PERCENTAGE
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0 11.5
8.5
10.0
0.0
Always Sometimes Seldom
RESPONDS

Figure 5: Breaking Traffic Rules and Regulations

Apart from the aggressive driving behaviour, being late for work or class contributed to the accident
prone factor. Results in Figure 6 show that 33.3 percent of the respondents admitted that they seldom
come late for class or work; 33 percent stated that they came late at least once a week, 28.9 percent
twice a week and 4.8 percent states that never come late for work or class. Considering the above
scenario, it is concluded that 61.9 percent respondents admitted that they are always late and 38.1
percent admitted that they are “seldom or never” late to class or work. This behavior is actually inter-
related with the reasons for the respondents to drive or ride aggressively. Most of the respondents
stated that by being late, they are prone to speeding and therefore increasing the risk and contributing
factor to accidents. For young or immature drivers, driving at high speed and minimal experience is
not easy especially during emergency. Apart from the ‘being late’ factor, interestingly, results also
showed that there is other reason for speeding by the road users in the campus. Figure 7 shows that
90.7 percent of the respondents admitted that they drove or rode at high speed because they were late
for class or work, while 4.1 percent stated that they drove or rode fast because it was fun and 2.6
percent with racing intention.

Tendency of The Respondents Arriving Late To REASONS OF RESPONDENTS SPEEDING

Class or Work.
100.0 90.7
33.0 33.3
35.0
28.9 80.0
PERCENTAGE

30.0
PERCENTAGE

25.0 60.0
20.0 40.0
15.0
10.0 20.0
4.8 2.6 4.1 2.6
5.0 0.0
0.0 Late for Racing Just for fun Never
Once a week Twice a week Seldom Never lecture/work
RESPONDS RESPONDS

Figure 6: Late to Class or Work Figure 7: Reasons for Speeding

Figure 8 below shows the types of traffic rules violated by the students. The traffic violation data is
based on summons produced by the traffic officers to traffic offenders. These traffic summonses were
issued on the spot at various places throughout UiTM Campus Shah Alam. The most summonses
issued was driving or riding with expired road tax, followed by riding motorcycle without helmet and
driving or riding in opposite direction. Based on this data, it can be concluded that, these drivers and

4
 Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004
1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

riders were not aware or concern for their safety. This is also associated with dangerous driving
behavior among the students.
Types of Road Offenses Done by Students in Year 2002

Driving w ithout light ( Night ) 19

Drive w ithout legal road tax 25

Type of Offenses
Drive w ith expired road tax 265
Riding motocycle w ithout Helmet 156
Driving in oposite Direction. ( No entry sign
106
)
Driving With licence ( L ) but carring
Pasangger
125
Driving w ith expired riving licence 17
Driving w ithout licence 108
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
No of Offenses

Figure 8: Road Offenses in year 2002 (Unit Keselamatan UiTM, 2003)

Compared to other traffic offenses, parking violations has contributed to the large number of
summonses (11,598 tickets) issued by traffic officers. It was observed that students like to
park their vehicles illegally. Figure 9 show the number of traffic offenses done by the
students related to parking. The graph shows that the students tend to park their vehicles at
places that obstruct other moving vehicles especially at the entrance or exit. According the
“Unit Keselamatan” officers most of these offenders are late for their classes, and as a result
they parked their vehicles not at proper parking space allocated. This is so especially for
motocyclist. In fact some of road accidents were caused by these vehicles which were parked
at restricted places obstructing moving vehicles.

Types of Parking Violation Done By Students

( Jan-July 2002 )

Obstructing entrance and

Types of Parking

exist
5799
Violations

Park at forbidden area 4643

Park in yellow box 1156

0 2000 4000 6000 8000

No of Sum m onses

Figure 9: Parking Violation for the Month of Jan to July 2002

(Unit Keselamatan UiTM, 2003)

Lack of concentration while driving is also one factor considered in this study and result is as shown
in Figure 10. 44 percent of the respondents stated that they “seldom and never” experience lack of
concentration while driving and in this study “seldom and never” is considered as one category.
While 56 percent stated that they experienced driving with lack of concentration including those who
stated that they experienced lack of concentration always and at least once or twice a week.
Surprisingly, Figure 11 also shows that 59.6 percent of the respondents stated that they have had

5
 Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004
1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

experienced driving while feeling sleepy and 40.4 percent stated that they seldom and never had such
experience.
TENDENCY OF RESPONDENTS TO DRIVE WITH TENDANCY OF RESPONDENTS TO DRIVE WITH
FEELING LACK OF CONCENTRATION FEELING SLEEPY

35 33 27.8
30.0
30 26 23.3
25.0
23
PERCENTAGE

PERCENTAG E
25 18.1
20.0 17.0
20 13.7
15.0
15 11
7 10.0
10
5 5.0

0 0.0
Once a week Twice a week Always Seldom Never Once a week Twice a week Always Seldom Never
RESPONDS RESPONDS

Figure 10: Lack of Concentration Figure 11: Fatigue

Drivers or riders must be in, good physical condition before maneuvering their vehicles and
concentration in one very important factor when driving or riding. From the results above, it is found
that 56 percent of the respondent experience driving with lack of concentration and 59.6 percent of the
respondents experienced feeling sleepy while maneuvering their vehicles. These are common sign of
“fatigue”. The other signs and symptoms of fatigue include forgetfulness, being fixated, poor
decision making, apathy (a lack of interest), slow reaction times, lethargy (feeling drowsy and lacking
energy), and reduced vigilance, moodiness, not communicating well and nodding off. Fatigue can be
the cause of accident, and more than half of the respondents showed sign of fatigue while driving or
riding.

Apart from human factor analyzed for the cause of accident in this study, the respondents are also
surveyed on their views of the physical condition of the road network. Study showed that 80 percent
of the respondents agreed that roadside parking caused danger to road users (Figure 12). Roadside
parking has been a norm especially during peak hours of certain occasion that takes place in the
campus. Respondents also agreed that the road is narrow with 87.4 percent vote while 12.6 percent
thought otherwise (Figure 13). From both factors analyzed above it can be concluded that the narrow
road along with roadside parking can also be the contributing factor to road accidents.

ROAD SIDE PARKING

Narrow Roads

90.0 80.0 100.0

% 87.4
80.0
70.0 80.0
60.0
50.0 60.0
40.0
30.0
40.0
20.0
20.0 20.0 12.6
10.0
0.0 0.0
Yes No Yes No
RESPONSE RESPONSE

Figure 12: Roadside Parking Figure 13: Narrow Roads

Results also show that 53.7 percent of the respondents agreed that traffic signages along UiTM
campus are adequate while 46.3 percent opted that traffic signage along UiTM campus is not
sufficient. Figure 14 show that 69.3 percent of respondents admitted they were not aware of traffic
signage, 25.6 percent opted for sometimes and only 5.2 percent states that they were not aware of
traffic signage. Based on this, traffic signage in UiTM road network are considered sufficient.

6
 Malaysian Universities Transport Research Forum Conference 2004
1st – 2nd December 2004, The Pan-Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam

However, survey showed that more than 60 percent of the road users ignore traffic signage as shown
in Figure 15.
ADEQUACY OF TRAFFIC SIGNAGES AWARENESS OF TRAFFIC SIGNAGES

80.0
69.3
56.0 70.0
53.7
54.0 60.0
52.0 50.0
50.0 40.0
48.0 30.0 25.6
46.3
46.0 20.0
10.0 5.2
44.0
42.0 0.0
Yes No Yes Sometimes No
RESPONSE RESPONSE

Figure 14: Traffic Signage Figure 15: Awareness of Traffic Signage

4.0 CONCLUSION

There are various factors that contributed to road accident in UiTM. This study has certainly given
some indication on some of the contributing factors to road accident occurrence in the campus. The
increase number of students has certainly increased the risk of accidents. The fact that most of the
students driving or riding in the campus are aged between 18 to 25 years old which is considered as
young, immature and inexperienced. Young drivers are associated with high risk driving behaviors
which resulted in students to drive or ride their vehicles without considering traffic rules and safety of
other road users. Most of the road users also agreed that narrow roads and roadside parking deter
flow smooth of traffic and may worsen the existing situation. Some measures to improve the safety
level of road users has been implemented by imposing strict enforcement laws and summons to road
users especially students.

REFERENCES

Arnett, J. (1992), Reckless Behavior in Adolescence. Journal of a Developmental Perspective, Vol.

12, pp 339-373

Campbell B. J.,(1992), Safety versus Mobility. Journal of IATSS Research Vol.16 No. 2, p149 – 160.

Elliott, B and Dahlgren, N.(1998) Research Report : ACT Novice Driver Safety Project, Stage 1 :
Need Assessment. (Prepared for the Department of Urban Service).

Fishbein M. and Azjen I., (1975), Belief, Attitude, Intention and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory
and Research, Reading Mass, Addison Wesley

Hanns Ch. Heinrich (1990) Behavioral Changes in the Context of Traffic Safety. Journal of IATSS
Research, Vol.14, No.1, pp 85-86.

K.W.Ogden and S.Y.Taylor (1995),”Traffic Engineering and Management”, Monash University,

Institute of Transport Studies

Scheaffer, McClave (1990).Probability and Statistics for Engineers, Third Edition, PWS Kent,
Boston, United States