Do the two-wheeler safety harnesses effective in rider’s safety – Analysis of attitude and switching intention

Abstract

To strengthen the safety of riders and kids in less than four years, the Indian Government drafted a new policy for two-wheeler riders. This study determines the riders' behavioural changes and intention to shift to entry-level four-wheelers. The study was conducted on riders who use two-wheelers as a regular mode of travel, have kids four years or less, and are aware of the new vehicle policy. An offline survey was conducted using a self-structured questionnaire by contacting the riders in person on the 329 respondents. The collected responses were analysed using the CB-SEM approach with the help of SPSS Amos software. The study reported that a rider’s perception of safety, Government policies, add-on safety harness and cost significantly determine the rider’s attitude. Further, the rider’s attitude significantly determines the rider’s switching intention from two-wheeler. The study has wide applicability to policymakers and NGOs to understand the rider’s mindset before effectively implementing safety protocols. The study also highlighted the effectiveness of safety harnesses in reducing casualties and analysed the causes of road casualties. The study also highlighted the global scenario of safety harnesses and their role in reducing road casualties. The study is an original work of the authors that, through insights on Rider’s perception of the policy measures taken to improve public safety during Two-wheeler riding.