Investigating Motorcycle Accident Risk Factors among Educated Riders: Associations with Driver Behaviour, Road Conditions, and Vehicle Safety Concerns

Educated Riders: Driver Behaviour, Road Conditions, and Vehicle Safety Concerns

Abstract

Motorcycle accidents pose a significant threat to public health and often present as serious medicolegal challenges, particularly in developing countries. Objectives: To identify and analyze key risk factors, over speeding, poor driving sense, lighting defects, and mirror faults, associated with motorcycle accidents among an educated population comprising students and faculty. Also, to explore the association of these factors with demographic characteristics and varying road conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to gather data on participants' demographics, motorcycle usage patterns, self-reported safety concerns, and perceived road hazards. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between variables. Results: Over-speeding emerged as the most frequently reported safety concern, especially among younger riders and during peak traffic hours. Although notable trends were observed across different age groups, professions, and road conditions, none of the associations reached statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that although over-speeding was consistently reported as the most frequent safety concern among students and faculty, statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between reported concerns and demographic or road condition variables. These findings suggest that motorcycle safety risks are broadly distributed across rider categories. Institutional interventions such as safety awareness programs, infrastructure improvements, and strict enforcement of traffic laws may still be beneficial in promoting safer riding practices within the academic community.