Engineer Shahirwan Salamun setting the computerised speed limiting system on a bus in Shah Alam, Selangor. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to enforce the use of speed limiters in heavy vehicles.But how does it work?
A computerised system installed in the vehicle will continuously detect its speed, allowing the limiter to restrict the engine from producing power beyond the preset speed.
“The limiter cuts the energy force of the throttle, preventing further acceleration even if the driver presses harder on the pedal,” said Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua.
Law, who heads the university’s Road Safety Research Centre, said speed limiters in some heavy vehicles also feature audible warnings when approaching maximum speed.
“These cautions can help prevent overspeeding. While the limiter restricts speed electronically, the warnings bring an additional layer of alerts,” he said, adding that the types of alerts may vary.
He said limiters are especially effective in heavy vehicles carrying loads.
“A completely loaded vehicle travelling at high speed requires significantly longer braking distances.
“Limiters however can reduce the risk of further unwanted incidents in the event of an accident,” said Law.
He also said limiters can help combat motorist fatigue as automatically keeping the vehicle at a steady and controlled speed reduces stress and improves driver response times.
However, he said speed limiters alone cannot ensure enhanced road safety.
“Proper motorist training, regular vehicle maintenance and strict enforcement must also be prioritised,” he said.
The use of speed limiters is enforced in some countries.
In the European Union, speed limiters are mandated for vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg.
The speed limiters are set to 90kph.
In China, speed limiters are mandatory for heavy commercial vehicles.
In Australia, heavy vehicles must have their speed limiters set to 100kph.
In the United Kingdom, speed limiters set to 90kph are required for heavy goods vehicles weighing over 3,500kg.
