Experts call for skid tests after multiple riders fall on green-painted lane

Road safety professionals are urging the execution of skid-resistance tests on the green-painted section of the Federal Highway motorcycle lane near Subang following a viral video demonstrating several riders losing control on the rain-soaked surface. While acknowledging that colored road markings are not inherently hazardous, concerns persist about the effectiveness of the coating at the specific location in providing adequate traction in wet conditions.

This call for action follows a 42-second video posted on social media, which captured multiple motorcycles sliding on the slick green lane.

Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon, chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, believes the painted surface was likely intended to warn riders of a potentially hazardous zone. He emphasized that while colored road surfaces can be beneficial, engineering interventions can produce even better skid-resistant surfaces than regular asphalt.

Wong stressed the need for further inspection and testing, specifically recommending the evaluation of skid resistance under both dry and wet conditions. He cautioned riders against assuming that a newly painted surface permits higher speeds, as loss of grip can occur regardless of surface quality, particularly when taking bends at high speeds.

The inability to control motorcycles safely in such situations increases the risk of accidents, particularly for small motorcycles lacking anti-lock braking systems.

Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua from the Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre echoed these concerns, noting that a single video is insufficient to prove the paint caused the falls. However, he agreed that the repeated loss-of-control incidents among multiple motorcycles traversing the wet pavement section warranted serious attention.

Dr Law recommended a technical inquiry to determine if the painted surface met the necessary skid-resistant standards under wet conditions, particularly during braking, acceleration, or turning. His research highlights the significance of macrotexture for wet performance, as it facilitates effective drainage at the tyre-pavement contact patch.

If the application of colored paint results in significantly poorer wet friction performance compared to regular asphalt, he suggested that such treatments should be avoided, especially near bends. Alternatively, the application design could be revised to ensure satisfactory wet friction performance. Following the incident, the Public Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, stated that the department was investigating the site to determine why riders had lost control at that section.

As a precautionary measure, the motorcycle lane where the crashes occurred will be resurfaced and equipped with a 40kph speed sign.