A sample of 28,400 registered keepers of privately owned motorcycles were selected at random from the UK DVLA database and sent a motorcycle rider behaviour questionnaire in June 2002. The response rate was 40%. The survey data were used to model motorcycle accident risk to help explain increasing trends in accident numbers and to identify priorities for remedial measures. A summary of motorcycling risk factors is presented. Trends increasing the risk of accidents include use of more powerful motorcycles and greater distances ridden. Accident liability remained proportional to mileage. Accident liability decreased by 70% over the age range but not to the extent shown by car drivers. No statistically significant effect of training on accident liability was found. Regular winter riders had a higher accident liability than summer only riders who had a higher accident liability than summer fair weather only riders. Low power motorcycles (<125cc engine capacity) were more likely to be involved in minor accidents and had more accidents than more powerful motorcycles. High severity accidents were more likely with powerful motorcycles. There was no strong evidence that riders who return to motorcycling after a recent long break have a higher mileage adjusted accident rate than other riders. There was a dominance of errors over violations as predictors of accidents.
Samenvatting