More data, less guesswork in accident investigations

PETALING JAYA: The newly introduced vehicle forensic laboratory marks a new chapter in road accident investigations and it will better facilitate legal processes in the courts, say road safety experts.

By incorporating advanced tools and data in forensic investigations, road safety experts said this may give closure to victims of complicated road accidents.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said those involved in car crashes often find it hard to pinpoint the cause, typically due to conflic­ting stories and a lack of evidence.

“With this lab, investigators can pull real evidence (speed, brake, dash cam recordings) from the car itself.

“That means fewer disputes, clearer justice in court and peace for families who just want the truth,” said Wan Agyl.

He added that the vehicle forensic laboratory will also assist the police in dealing with stolen cars and smuggling.

“In simple terms, this is about moving investigations from specu­lation to data and science,” he said.

For the laboratory to deliver, Wan Agyl said it is important for the authorities to uphold public trust by ensuring data privacy, and following international best practices.

“Using international best ­practices will ensure no one can question the reliability of the findings,” he added.

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the vehicle forensic laboratory will enhance the enforcement efficiency of the police and the Road Transport Department.

“Utilising advanced tools and expert evaluations, the laboratory can reconstruct accident scenes, detect mechanical failures and identify instances of vehicle tampering, thereby providing law enforcement with more substantial evidence,” he said.

Law also said data from the laboratory could be harnessed to drive long-term improvements in safety ­standards and infrastructure.

“Understanding the interplay among vehicle faults and road conditions can guide infrastructure improvement.

“Empirical data obtained through forensic investigation can support improved policies, awareness raising and enforcement mechanisms to increase safety on the roads,” he said.

“Through a shift from a reactionary to a proactive data-based approach, the vehicle forensic laboratory can be a driving force in minimising accidents and improving nationwide road safety,” Law added.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia traffic and road safety psychologist Prof Dr Rozmi Ismail said the laboratory was a good initiative, as it will prevent drivers from giving false statements when an accident occurs.

“Sometimes the driver claims that their brakes weren’t working. But was it due to their negligence or brake failure?” he said.

Rozmi said the government should reveal more details to ensure transparency.

“Otherwise, it will raise many questions because this involves government funding,” he added.

The Digital Ministry has said the vehicle forensic laboratory can provide vehicle data retrieval, crash data analysis, dashcam data preservation, data speed analysis from video footage, cybersecurity analysis for vehicle systems and vehicle tracking.

It can also analyse engine control unit (ECU) data and provide technical support after analysing vehicular data.