Objectives Commuting accidents are accidents occurring while travelling to and from work, and in the course of work. Effort to reducing commuting accidents is important in managing occupational accidents. In Malaysia, the number of claims for commuting accident has showed an increased of 28.3% (17 170 to 22 036) from 2001 to 2010, compared to a decreased in number workplace accident claims by 31.8% (61 163 to 35 603). This increase was despite the total number motor vehicle casualties decreased by 44.0% over the same period. The aim of this study is to review the current efforts on reducing motor vehicle accident.

Method Systematic review of peer review literature, accidents statistics, initiatives and policies related prevention of motor vehicles accidents

Results Review of the statistics showed that most of the commuting accident causalities occurred during travel to and from work (88.5%), during the morning shifts (68.8%) and involving less than five kilometres of travel (55.0%). Motorcycles riders contributed significantly to these causalities. Although motorcycles only accounted for 15.8% of the vehicles involved in accidents, they contributed 49.7% of casualties and 58.7% of the total fatalities. Many initiatives targeted at motorcycles riders were already in place; including mandatory usage of helmet (rider and pillion), compulsory use of daytime headlight, dedicated motorcycle lanes on highways, road safety education in schools and workplace, however the accident rates were still high.

Conclusions A more comprehensive intervention programme targeted at motorcycle riders and the investment on safer public transportation system is needed to reduce commuting accidents.