The study is based on the national accident statistics, analysis of the insurance companies' traffic damage statistics and the data collected by the road accident investigation teams. The mileage of the motorcyclists and their opinions on traffic safety were clarified by a mail enquiry. According to the teams, too high driving speed was one of the causes in about one half of the fatal accidents caused by motorcycles. About 70% of the motorcycles involved in single accidents were exceeding the speed limit, and about 40% of those that were the main cause of collisions. About 40% of the accidents caused by motorcycles were considered to be due to too little driving experience or insufficient driving skill. In collisions, where the motorcycle was the less guilty party or not guilty, the cause was mostly due to an observation error made by the other party, for junction accidents in 70% of the cases. According to this study traffic safety of motorcyclists could be improved by developing the driving licence qualifications, and the training and education of motorcyclists who already have a driving licence. Police enforcement of motorcyclists should concentrate on driving licences and speeds.
Abstract