Research Papers - Department of Civil Engineering
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Publication Open Access Risk factors of crashes involving motorcycles in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2021-09-24) Amarasingha, NMotorcycle is among the most popular and important modes of land transportation in tropical developing countries like Sri Lanka. Yet, research on the effect of motorcycles on traffic safety in Sri Lanka is limited. Investigation of the risk factors and contributory causes of motorcycle crashes using data sourced from Police records was the objective of this research. Police-reported crash data in Sri Lanka contain details of crashes at all severity levels that got reported, together with their corresponding different conditions, including environment, roadway, rider, and vehicle characteristics, throughout the country. Investigating the odds-ratios, the risk factors for motorcycle crashes could be identified in developing the potential counter-measures to improve traffic safety. In Sri Lanka, during 2009-2013, more than 200,000 of motorcycle crashes have been reported. The predominant crash conditions associated with motorcycles were driving on rural roadways, during weekdays, and riding newer motorcycles. The odds-ratios indicated that riding a motorcycle on dry surface conditions, on urban roads, and using safety helmets would be much safer. The results of the study add new insights to the traffic safety literature in regard to improving road safety in Sri LankaPublication Open Access Risk Factors of Motorcycle Crashes in Sri Lanka(University of Moratuwa, 2016) Amarasingha, NThe use of motorcycles has become a passion or even a way of life in many South Asian countries including Sri Lanka, for commuting to work or transporting goods, as they are easy to use and to cover short distances. In these countries, ownership and use of motorcycles and other two-wheelers are generally relatively high. Compared to drivers of other vehicles, motorcyclists are vulnerable road users as they often share the traffic space with fast-moving vehicles, they are less visible, and also they lack protection in the case of a crash. All Sri Lankan regulations for motor vehicles are applicable to motorcycles. The owners are required to register their vehicles and also obtain driving licences to operate motorcycles. They also are required to obtain annual revenue licenses. Motorcycles are popular among middle income and low income people in Sri Lanka and mainly used to commute to work and also used to transport goods, as well as for recreational purposes. The most common vehicles on Sri Lankan roads are motorcycles and the number of motorcycles is more than three times the number of the second most popular vehicle, namely the three-wheeler. The percentage of increase of registered motorcycles in Sri Lanka from year 2003 to 2012, was 152% [1]. As the number of motorcycles increase, so does the probability of their being involved in motor vehicle crashes.
