No abstract

Background Road safety is an alarming issue in Malaysia with a new record high of 6877 deaths in 2011. The nation lost an estimated 2.65% of its annual Gross Domestic Product due to road crashes. Even at the nation's administrative capital Putrajaya, with a population of 90 000, 11 deaths were recorded in 2010. Objectives In 2011, the Putrajaya's administration embarked on a 'Safe City Concept' with emphasis on Community Based Programme (CBP) for road safety. The CBP was aimed at achieving higher compliance of seatbelt and helmet wearing. Methods Precinct 8 in Putrajaya was chosen as a locality for case study while Precinct 16 was chosen as a control location. A 6-month intervention programmes involving social marketing campaigns, education, and enforcement activities were carried out. In contrast, no intervention was held in Precinct 16. Observation study was carried out to determine the helmet and seatbelt compliance, whereas survey was used to determine the level of awareness and behaviour change. Children's understanding on road safety was measured through an indoor game called DeCare Xploration. Results The CBP is capable of delivering positive results with greater compliance for both helmet and seatbelt wearing. The seatbelt compliance increased from 42% to 58% while the helmet compliance was also up from 70% to 85%. Significance to the Field The study indicates that a combination of education, social marketing campaign and enforcement are effective in achieving safer roads. This study can be replicated in other localities.

Background Road safety issue is a major problem in Malaysia, with close to 7000 deaths are recorded every year. The government has introduced a number of intervention programmes nationwide to reduce fatalities. At the nation's administrative capital Putrajaya, in particular, the government in 2011 has embarked on a ‘safe city’ programme, emphasising on road safety issues through a community-based programme. The Precinct 8 was chosen for the intervention programmes that emphasis on enforcement, education, and campaign for a 6-month period. Objectives It aimed to evaluate the percentage of seatbelt use among the community before, during, and after the intervention period. Methods To measure the effectiveness of the programme, a scientific research via observation was carried out. Results A total of 9487 all type of car occupants in Precinct 8, Putrajaya were observed. The study revealed that seatbelt use increased from 42% to 58%, before and during the enforcement period, respectively. The post enforcement period, however, revealed that the percentage of seatbelt compliance has decreased to 55%. A χ2test for independence indicated a significant association between enforcement programme period and seatbelt use, χ2 (2, 9487)=202.36, p=0.0001. Car occupants were one time more likely to use seatbelts during enforcement programme as compared to before enforcement programme was implemented (with RR: 1.371, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.44). Significance to the Field The study concluded that the dosage of enforcement directly contributed to the seatbelt compliance. The study can be replicated in terms of programme design and implementation in other communities.

Background In 2010, there were 120 156 crashes involving motorcyclists in Malaysia. Overall, the motorcycle riders and pillions were over represented with 4036 (58.7%) deaths. The higher number of deaths often associated with head injuries due to improper helmet wearing. Even at the nation's administrative capital Putrajaya, road crashes among motorcyclists are rampant. Therefore, an initiative was taken by introducing the ‘Safe City Concept’ which emphasised on Community Based Programme (CBP) to improve the state of road safety among motorcyclists. A series of enforcement programme was initiated by the community, enforcement agencies, and local authority. Objectives The study was carried out to determine effectiveness of the 6-month enforcement programme by focusing on the percentage of proper helmet wearing. Methods A 2 h observation programme was executed weekly in Precinct 8, Putrajaya, specifically targeting at motorcyclists. The percentage of proper helmet wearing rate among motorcyclists was measured before, during, and after the enforcement programme was carried out. Results A total of 2949 motorcyclists were observed. The study highlighted that the proper helmet wearing in Precinct 8 was twice as higher during the enforcement programme as compared to before enforcement programme (RR=2.2.537; 95% CI 2.019 to 3.187). Female motorcyclists were 2 times more likely to wear helmet properly as compared to male (with OR=2.1243; 95% CI 1.510 to 2.989). Significance to the Field The study concluded that enforcement programme in Precinct 8, Putrajaya was proven effective in increasing the proper helmet wearing compliance. Findings of the study can act as guidelines for programme design and implementation.