UPM's road safety software may enter schools

SERDANG: Road safety software "Hazard Perception Training" (HPT) developed by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) may be included as part of the modules for road safety education for secondary schools nationwide due to commence early next year.
The software which studies and trains road users, especially motorcyclists, to anticipate and avoid potential dangers on the road is currently in the pilot stage for UPM students from June until end of the year.
Earlier this month, UPM's road safety research centre (RSRC) Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua's impressive presentation on HPT had garnered attention from the delegates of the Road Safety Council during its recent annual general meeting.
Law was then asked by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to enhance the software with the possibility for integration in the road safety syllabus in schools.
"We are taking this one step at a time. But it is important for motorists especially motorcyclists to be ready and respond in time of any hazards," he said, adding that a real-traffic situation with 60th and 70th percentile was programmed inside the software.
He pointed out hazard identification on the road could save lives.
Law also didn't rule out the possibility of discussing with Road Transport Department to introduce the software for driving schools curriculum.
Realising the potential in training young bikers to identify hazards on the road and increase safety awareness among them, Petron Malaysia took the initiative in partnering in the study.
"Petron looks forward to its partnership with UPM's RSRC. Through this life-saving study, we contribute to upholding road safety awareness and instilling better road safety habits among Malaysian motorists," said Petron Malaysia corporate safety, security, health and environment manager Lokman Hani.