1575 - MOTORCYKLISTS BELIEFS ABOUT THE CAUSES OF CRASHES

Session: D13S009 - Vulnerable and Special Road Users
AUTHORS:
Andersson Jan (VTI ~ Linköping ~ Sweden) , Forward Sonja (VTI ~ Linköping ~ Sweden) , Forsman Åsa (VTI ~ Linköping ~ Sweden)
Abstract text:
Background: Motorcyclists face a significantly higher risk of fatal traffic accidents—approximately 25 times higher—compared to car drivers. The purpose of this study was to examine motorcyclists' perceptions of the causes behind crashes. The study also aimed to evaluate whether the instrument used to measure both internal and external beliefs could be improved by including factors identified in the literature as important from a traffic safety perspective. Furthermore, the study investigated whether the experience of having been involved in a crash influenced these perceptions, and whether it mattered if the rider was at fault or not. Method: Motorcyclists with and without crash experience were recruited. Among those who had been involved in an crash, participants were further divided into two groups: those who were at fault and those who were not. All participants completed a web-based version of the T-LOC instrument, which was expanded with seven new questions focusing on reckless driving behavior, in addition to the original items. Results: Motorcyclists largely indicated that other road users, especially car drivers, are the primary cause of crashes. Those who had experienced an crash rated "Bad luck" as a stronger cause than those who had not been involved. When comparing those who were at fault with those who were not, "Other road users" was the only factor that showed a statistically significant difference. This suggests that the experience of being involved in an crash without being at fault increases the tendency to blame other road users. Conclusion: Motorcyclists perceive the causes of crashes differently than car drivers, with "Other road users" seen as the most decisive factor. The experience of having been in an crash, especially when not at fault, affects these perceptions. A deeper understanding of these beliefs can be used in the development of educational programs aimed at improving traffic safety.