A Heterogeneity Based Case-Control Analysis of Motorcyclist’s Injury Crashes: Evidence from Motorcycle Crash Causation Study

This study explores how different “policy-sensitive” factors are associated with risk of motorcycle injury crashes, while controlling for rider-specific, psycho-physiological, and other observed/unobserved factors. The analysis utilizes data from a matched case-control design collected through the FHWA’s Motorcycle Crash Causation Study. In particular, 351 cases (motorcyclists involved in injury crashes) are analyzed vis-à-vis similarly-at-risk 702 matched controls (motorcyclists not involved in crashes). Unlike traditional conditional estimation of relative risks, the paper presents heterogeneity based statistical analysis that accounts for the possibility of both within and between matched case-control variations. Overall, correlations between key risk factors and injury crash propensity exhibit significant observed and unobserved heterogeneity. The results of best-fit random parameters logit model with heterogeneity-in-means show that riders with partial helmet coverage have significantly lower risk of injury crash involvement. Lack of motorcycle rider conspicuity captured by dark (red) upper body clothing is associated with significantly higher injury crash risk. Importantly, rider’s motorcycle-oriented lower clothing (e.g., cannot easily get stuck in the machinery) significantly lowers odds of injury crash. Moreover, formal motorcycle driving training in recent years was associated with lower injury crash propensity. Finally, riders with less sleep prior to crash/interview had higher odds of crash involvement. Methodologically, conclusion is that correlations of several rider, exposure, apparel, and riding history related factors with crash risk are not homogeneous (vary in magnitude and direction). The study results indicate the need to develop appropriate countermeasures, such as refresher motorcycle training courses, prevention of sleep-deprived/fatigued riding, and riding under influence of alcohol/drugs.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANF30 Standing Committee on Motorcycles and Mopeds.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  ,    
• Authors:
  • Wali, Behram
  • 0000-0001-9969-7503
  • Khattak, Asad J
  • Khattak, Aemal J
  • Ahmad, Numan
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 98th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2019-1-13 to 2019-1-17
• Date: 2019

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 8p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Clothing; Crash causes; Crash injuries; Human factors in crashes; Motorcycle crashes; Protective clothing; Risk assessment; Safety education
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01697925
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 19-05159
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 1 2019 3:51PM