Characteristics of Motorcycle Crashes

Abstract

Motorcycles are popular in Asian countries including Sri Lanka and it is becoming an important part of transportation in the country. Despite its popularity, little research has been conducted to study the impact of motorcycles on road safety in Sri Lanka. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors of crashes involving motorcycles. Data was obtained from Police crash records which contain details of police-reported crashes, at all severity levels that occurred in Sri Lanka. Various characteristics such as environment, roadway, driver, and vehicle are analysed investigating the Oddsratios so that potential countermeasures can be developed to improve roadside safety. Motorcycle crashes are rapidly increased in Sri Lanka last five years. More frequent crash conditions for motorcycle crashes occurred while driving on rural roadways, driving during week days in heavy traffic, and driving newer motorcycles. Dry road surfaces, clear weather conditions predominantly characterized motorcycle-crashes. This study adds detailed information about characteristics of motorcycle crashes and measures to improve motorcycle safety in Sri Lanka to the transportation safety literature.