Crash Severity Analysis of Young Adult Motorcyclists: A Comparison of Urban and Rural Local Roadways

Abstract

In developing nations, motorcycles are a ubiquitous mode of transportation on local road networks, contributing to a substantial frequency of traffic accidents and fatalities. These occurrences exhibit significant discrepancies between urban and rural road environments. Specifically, urban roads exhibit greater traffic density and more robust law enforcement presence compared to their rural counterparts, factors that invariably influence vehicular speeds. Consequently, these variations in speed are associated with the adoption of riskier behaviors by motorists, with a pronounced impact on Young Adult Motorcyclists (YAMs) who demonstrate a heightened propensity for engaging in perilous activities, such as operating a motorcycle while under the influence or executing excessively close maneuvers. This study seeks to examine the factors that influence injury severity among YAM on local roads by contrasting urban and rural roadways, taking into account the different roadway contexts. Data from motorcycle crashes on local roads in Thailand between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed using the Random Parameter Logit Models with Unobserved Heterogeneity in Means and Variances (RPLMV) approach to investigate the relationship between contributing factors and YAM injury severity. The findings revealed several critical insights into the factors influencing the severity of motorcycle accidents, particularly among YAM on local urban roads. It is evident that a confluence of factors, including the absence of a valid driver’s license, exceeding designated speed limits, and the involvement of male drivers, significantly elevates the probability of fatal outcomes in these accidents. Our analysis has also unveiled intriguing patterns in nighttime accidents involving motorcycles, where those with functioning vehicle lights and those occurring under the cover of darkness without proper illumination share notable similarities in terms of severity. Furthermore, our research has emphasized that accidents transpiring outside city confines during nighttime hours with adequate lighting exhibit a negligible impact on higher crash severity. The key findings advocate for the development and implementation of targeted policy recommendations and countermeasures to alleviate the severity of accidents involving YAM. This includes a proposition to bolster law enforcement efforts, particularly in regions beyond city borders, and to enforce strict adherence to regulations concerning driver’s license verifications. Our study offers a crucial foundation for future research and policy development aimed at improving road safety and reducing the severity of motorcycle accidents, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the lives of YAM.

Analyzing Near-Miss Incidents and Risky Riding Behavior in Thailand: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Areas

“…Notably, accidents resulting in fatalities are frequently observed on major arterial roads and highways [8]. A recent study conducted by Champahom et al [9] involved a comprehensive analysis of crash severity and revealed notable disparities in risk behaviors among motorcycle riders in urban and rural areas. Furthermore, studies from the United States suggest that motorcycle riders face a higher likelihood of fatal accidents in urban areas compared to rural areas [10].…”

Analysis of Head Displacement during a Frontal Collision at a Speed of 20 km/h—Experimental Studies

“…Currently, the policy of European Union countries and many countries around the world is aimed at reducing the number of fatalities in road accidents. The "Vision Zero" philosophy adopted by most of these countries around the world aims to create and monitor a road transport system in which human error will not result in death or serious injury [1][2][3]. Failure to adjust speed to prevailing road conditions and failure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front are the most common driver errors leading to road accidents.…”