ASEAN Motorcycle ABS Partnership

1 November 2023

A multi stakeholder partnership campaigning for the fitment of life saving motorcycle ABS crash avoidance technology in support of the UN Global Goals for Road Safety has been launched by The Towards Zero Foundation

• The rate of road fatalities in the ASEAN region is one of the highest in the world with riders of powered two and three wheelers accounting for the majority of these deaths.
• Globally, powered two and three wheelers represent 29% of all deaths. Alarmingly this figure surges to 62% of all ASEAN road deaths, and in some countries in the region such as Thailand and Indonesia, rider fatalities can be as high as 74%.

Motorcycle ABS - Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable due to their lack of protection compared to car occupants. Crash avoidance technologies like motorcycle anti-lock braking system (ABS) can make a potentially life saving difference, increasing rider stability, reducing stopping distances and decreasing rider fatalities by more than 30%.

Every motorcycle sold that is not equipped with ABS is an opportunity lost to protect a life. Despite the availability and effectiveness of motorcycle ABS, penetration of the technology in ASEAN has been low due to the absence of government legislation and consumer awareness. Currently, Thailand and Malaysia are the only countries in ASEAN to mandate for motorcycle ABS to accelerate the uptake of the technology.

Campaign Objectives

• To increase the fitment rate of motorcycle ABS in the ASEAN region by raising awareness of the benefits of motorcycle ABS and increasing consumer demand.
• Advocating for an ASEAN region wide commitment to mandate motorcycle ABS (UN Regulation 78/GTR3) on all powered two-wheelers capable of travel speeds of 50km/h or greater.