Effective factors of improved helmet use in motorcyclists: a systematic review

Prevalence of motorcycle accidents among food delivery drivers and its relation to knowledge, attitudes, and practices in urban areas in Bangkok, Thailand

Food delivery drivers are at increased risk of motorcycle accidents every year. This study investigated the prevalence of motorcycle accidents among food delivery drivers related to the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in urban areas in Bangkok, Thailand. This was a cross-sectional online survey on motorcycle accidents was distributed among food delivery drivers in urban areas in Bangkok, Thailand from February-March 2023. The study involved 809 participants aged 18 years. A binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between variable factors and motorcycle accidents, and a Spearman's analysis was employed to test the correlations between motorcycle accidents and knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. The study found the prevalence of accidents associated with food delivery drivers was 284 (35.1%). The results of the binary logistic regression analysis found that those who drive on an average of more than 16 rounds per day were significantly associated with motorcycle accidents (OR = 2.128, 95%CI 1.503-3.013), and those who had followed improper driving practices were significantly associated with motorcycle accidents (OR = 1.754, 95%CI 1.117-2.752). The correlation analysis found the knowledge score positive significantly with the practice score (r = 0.269, p-value < 0.01) and the attitudes score positive significantly with the practice score (r = 0.436, p-value < 0.01). This study shows the knowledge level correlated with the practice score regarding such accidents. Therefore, our study needs more longitudinal study to identify which variable factors influence motorcycle accidents among FDDs. The current study suggests that the management of traffic safety on urban roads is significantly affected by food delivery services. Thus, this study can be used as baseline data to devise systematic measures to prevent motorcycle crashes of food deivery workers.

Motorcycle-related crashes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative retrospective observational study from the Middle East

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a boom in the delivery sector, with a significant increase in the demand and number of motorcycle delivery drivers in Qatar, which made them vulnerable to injury. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, pattern, and outcome of patients injured by motorcycle-related crashes (MCC) before and during the pandemic.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study included all adult patients admitted with motorcycle-related injuries before the pandemic (March 2018 to February 2020) and during the pandemic (March 2020 to March 2022). Comparative analyses were performed based on (work versus non-work related MCCs) and (pre- versus during the pandemic injuries).

RESULTS

510 patients with MCC were identified, of which 172 (33.7 %) were admitted in the pre-pandemic and 338 (66.3 %) during the pandemic. The mean age of patients was 29.2±7.8 years; 56 % were aged 20-29 years, and 99.4 % were males. Work-related MCCs were more frequent among the younger age group (60.9 % vs. 52.1 %; p=0.001) during the early evening, i.e., 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. (21.9 % vs. 13.9 %; p=0.004). However, non-work related MCC occurred more frequently between midnight and 3:00 am (20.2 % vs. 10.9 %; p=0.004), and such patients were more likely non-compliant for protective devices use (19.3 % vs. 6.1 %; p=0.001) and ride under the influence of alcohol (13.2 % vs. 7.4 %; p=0.03). During the pandemic, the proportion of alcohol consumers (13 % vs. 5.8 %; p=0.01) and work-related MCC (50.9 % vs. 22.7 %; p=0.001) increased significantly compared to the pre-pandemic period.

CONCLUSION

The overall burden of MCC increased during the pandemic, and the frequency of MCC involving commercial drivers surged significantly during the pandemic period as opposed to the non-work MCC, which predominated in the pre-pandemic period. Work-related MCCs were more frequent among younger age groups, mainly involving South Asians with frequent accidents in the evening time. However, recreation-related MCCs occurred more frequently at midnight, and victims were non-compliant with the protective gear. Furthermore, there is a need for prospective studies to examine the broader scope of risk factors that are associated with the work-related MCC, especially involving food deliveries, and for focused safety programs for motorcycle delivery drivers and recreational motorcyclists.

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.