This study was undertaken to identify the risk factors for motorcycle crashes by comparing the characteristics of motorcyclists in crashes with those riding safely. Injured riders and pillion passengers from 222 crashes in the Melbourne metropolitan area were interviewed, helmets and motorcycles inspected, and the crash sites inspected and ridden through by an experienced motorcyclist. Motorcyclists riding through the crash sites at the same time of day and week as the crash were interviewed to provide the control sample of 1200 motorcyclists. Rider inexperience was found to be common, present even among older riders. Riders aged under 25 and riders who rode less than three days per week were at greater risk of crashing. The BAC data were incomplete for cases but indicate that alcohol may play a smaller role in motorcycle crashes than in car crashes. Recreational riding was associated with higher crash risk than work-related riding. Unlicensed riders, unregistered motorcycles and borrowed motorcycles were also associated with higher risk. (A)
Abstract