Originally posted on LinkedIn
Our research team compiled data gathered from social media reporting from January 2019 to June 2022. The Malaysia PLUS Highway accidents saw a notable number, with trends reflecting significant impacts from seasonal travel and the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis on the Malaysia PLUS highway accidents provides insights into the accident patterns, helping identify high-risk periods and contributing factors.
In 2019, the highest accident rates occurred during festive seasons like Chinese New Year, when highways were congested with travellers. A total of 911 accidents were recorded that year, with many people taking the opportunity to visit family or go on vacation. In 2020, accident numbers dropped by 24.9% due to the Movement Control Orders (MCOs) during the pandemic, resulting in a total of 684 accidents. However, numbers spiked when restrictions eased, and travellers hit the roads again in July.
By 2021, with COVID-19 restrictions gradually lifting from August onward, accident rates increased sharply, especially during festivals, totaling 1,159 accidents. In early 2022, accident trends returned to pre-pandemic levels, with numbers climbing as travel resumed. The first half of 2022 saw 2,581 accidents, reflecting an increase in road use from both locals and tourists from neighbouring countries, such as Singapore and Thailand.
The data also shows peak accident times during morning and late afternoon rush hours, indicating that high traffic density significantly contributes to accident risks on the PLUS Highway.
In conclusion, understanding these patterns helps identify critical periods for enhancing road safety measures, particularly during festive seasons and peak travel times. Implementing targeted safety campaigns and increasing traffic monitoring could reduce accidents.
To learn more about how our research team can provide data-driven insights that help you make informed decisions and optimise your operations, reach out to us at hello@infinitywave.io. Whether you’re looking to analyse trends, assess risks, or understand user behaviour, our expertise in data analysis from variable sources, monitoring can turn complex data into actionable strategies. Contact us today to explore how our research can benefit your organization.