Effects of Impulsive Sensation Seeking, Aggression and Risk-Taking Behaviors on the Vulnerability of Motorcyclists

Abstract

While extensive research efforts have been devoted to improve the motorcycle safety, the relationship between the rider behavior and the crash risk is still not well understood.The objective of this study is to evaluate how behavioral factors influence crash risk and to identify the most vulnerable group of motorcyclists. To explore the rider behavior, a questionnaire containing 61-items of impulsive sensation seeking, aggression, and risk-taking behavior was developed. By clustering the crash risk using the medoid portioning algorithm, the log-linear model relating the rider behavior to crash risk has been developed. Results show that crash-involved motorcyclists score higher in all three behavioral traits. Aggressive and high risk-taking motorcyclists are more likely to fall under the high vulnerable group while impulsive sensation seeking is not found to be significant. Defining personality types from aggression and risk-taking behavior, “Extrovert” and “Follower” personality type of motorcyclists are more prone to crashes. The findings of this study will be useful for road safety campaign planners to be more focused in the target group as well as those who employ motorcyclists for their delivery business