Influence of Motorcyclists’ Riding Behaviour on Crash Risks: An Experience from a Mid-Sized Indian City

• Published in: Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies Vol. 15; pp. 3087 - 3102
• Main Authors: CHAKRABORTY, Abhishek, MAITRA, Bhargab
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies 2024
• Subjects: Binary Probit Model; Exploratory Factor Analysis; Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire; Motorized Two-Wheeler; Riding Behaviour; Road Traffic Fatality
• ISSN: 1881-1124
• DOI: 10.11175/easts.15.3087

The present work aims to assess the riding behaviour of motorcyclists in a mid-sized Indian city, and estimates their influence on crash risks. For this purpose, a suitable questionnaire was developed and data were collected using a paper-pencil based face-to-face interviews among the riders. Exploratory factor analysis reveals four latent factors of riding behaviour which could explain 57% of the total variance. These factors are coined as ‘traffic offences and errors’, ‘control errors’, ‘safety perception’ and ‘speed violations’. Binary Probit model shows ‘control errors’ and ‘safety perception’ of riders along with their gender, income level, academic background, engine capacity of the vehicle and preference on helmet usage strongly influence crash risk of motorcyclists. The analysis helps to identify the target group of riders who are most vulnerable, and justifies the need for giving due attention to deter them from performing unsafe acts while riding.