Prevalence of unprotected motorcycle riding and its association with other risk behaviors among adolescents in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Unveiling the road to safety: Understanding the factors influencing motorcycle accidents among riders in rural Chiang Mai, Thailand

Background

Motorcycle accidents pose a significant threat to traffic safety in Thailand, particularly in rural areas where the severity of these accidents often results in prolonged medical treatment and a reduction in the quality of life of the affected individual.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with motorcycle accidents among motorcycle riders in rural areas in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 via an anonymous survey in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A total of 308 participants engaged with the survey. The data about background information, motorcycle details, personal protective equipment, risky behaviors, attitude toward riding, and history of motorcycle accidents in the prior six months were collected and analyzed by binary logistic regression.

Results

Of 308 participants, the mean age was 56 years old (SD = 14.2), females were 56.8 % (N = 175), 51 % had co-morbidity, and 40.6 % were active alcohol drinkers. The prevalence of individuals who experienced a motorcycle accident within the previous six months was 57.1 %. Notably, the most unsafe riding behavior was not wearing a helmet while riding, which had a prevalence of more than 80 % in both the accident and non-accident groups. The study found significant associated factors for motorcycle accidents in rural communities, including the history of alcohol consumption (aOR 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.05,2.79), changing lanes without using turn signals (aOR 1.93, 95 % CI: 1.07,3.48) and those who strongly disagree with the notion that listening to music while riding is dangerous (aOR 2.80, 95 % CI: 1.06, 7.43).

Conclusion

Over half of motorcycle riders have been in accidents. These findings emphasize the need to enforce drunk-driving and traffic laws. Comprehensive motorcycle rider education and safety training are needed to encourage responsible riding.

Self-reported Motorcycle Riding Behavior in Southeast of Iran

Background: Motorcyclists are among the greatest vulnerable individuals of road accident victims. Their behavior has a significant correlation with increased injury and mortality rate. Determining the risky and unsafe behaviors of motorcycle drivers is necessary for preventing riders and other citizen from potential accident risks. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the risky driving behaviors of motorcyclists in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 2019 in Sistan and Baluchestan Province as the second widest province of Iran. Using randomized sampling method, we included 613 motorcyclists from the province. To collect data, the Persian version of Motorcycle Riding Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ), as a standard questionnaire, was used. For data analysis, descriptive and analytical statistics such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test, and linear regression were used by SPSS software version 21. Results: The age range of 57% of the motor riders was 15 - 30 years, and 50% of them did not use any safety equipment. About 58% of the subjects had started motorcycle riding under 18 years old, and 73% of them did not have a motorcycle riding license. Moreover, more than 50% of motorcyclists used mobile phones while driving. The mean score of driving behavior (106 ± 22) was desirable. Based on multivariate analysis, job, average amount of riding, lacking a riding license, type of motor, alert from police, non-fasting helmet band, exceeding speed limits, fatigue, and hand-free riding were the main predictors of risky riding score (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to our results, the riding behavior of motorcyclists was desirable; however, many people used motorcycles without a license and safety equipment, which increases high-risk behaviors. Considering the potential dangers of motor riders, it seems necessary to hold training courses to obtain motorcycle certification and how to use safety equipment.