Imagine driving through the bustling streets of the Klang Valley. The vibrancy of Malaysia’s outdoor landscape is reflected in its array of electronic billboards. These billboards, designed to capture the attention with their bright and dynamic displays, are an integral part of the urban scenery. However, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety of Research (Miros) has issued a strong appeal to outdoor advertisers, emphasizing the necessity to adhere to electronic billboard guidelines.
These guidelines are important to ensure the billboards do not distract and endanger the safety of road users. Miros chairman, Prof Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, highlighted that the protection of motorists should not be compromised by capturing attention in advertisements.
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Safety Concerns with Electronic Billboards
In the heart of Malaysia’s high-traffic areas, particularly in the Klang Valley, overly bright electronic billboards have become a common sight. Prof Dr. Wong Shaw Voon of Miros has expressed serious concerns about the safety risks these advertisements pose. The dazzling lights, though eye-catching, can be excessively bright and distracting for motorists. This can lead to potential hazards on the road.
Regulatory Guidelines and Brightness Standards
To address these concerns, Miros and the UK Institution of Lighting Engineers have set electronic billboard guidelines for maximum brightness standards:
In areas with street lighting:
- Daytime: Max 1,2000 cd/m²
- Nighttime: Max 300 cd/m²
In areas without street lighting:
- Daytime: Max 600 cd/m²
- Nighttime: Max 150 cd/m²
These standards are designed to ensure that billboards are visible yet not overwhelming, striking a balance between effective advertising and road safety.
Impact of Excessive Brightness on Motorists
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Imagine the scenario: you’re driving at night, and suddenly, a bright flash from a billboard catches your eye. Reports indicate that such excessive brightness can disrupt drivers, even if it diverts just 1% of their attention.
This seemingly minor distraction can have significant consequences. For instance, brightness levels recorded at various locations in the Klang Valley often exceeded the recommended limits. The significant variations of brightness depend on the advertisement’s background color.
By adhering to the guidelines, advertisers can minimize these risks and contribute to safer roads.
Location-Based Standards for Billboard Brightness and Compliance
The brightness standards for billboards vary depending on their location:
- Wide junctions with frequent traffic: Higher brightness standards to ensure visibility.
- Smaller areas: Lower brightness standards to avoid causing discomfort and potential hazards.
Advertisers need to consider these factors to ensure their billboards do not compromise driver safety.
In Malaysia, outdoor billboard advertising is regulated by the Local Government Act 1976 and the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974. Compliance with these laws, along with relevant by-laws and district council regulations, is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of electronic billboards.
By following to these guidelines, advertisers can contribute to a safer driving environment and prevent the risks associated with excessively bright electronic billboards. Let’s make our roads safer and our advertisements smarter.
Worried about safety concerns? Contact Firstboard to ensure your billboards safe for motorists.