Fatality Risk for Motorcyclists in Fixed Object Collisions

Abstract

Motorcyclists contribute significantly to road trauma around the world through the high incidence of serious injuries and fatalities. Around one fourth of motorcyclist fatalities may be attributed to collisions with fixed objects. A greater understanding of factors associated with fatalities occurring from fixed object collisions will enable safer roadway infrastructure design for motorcyclists. In this article, a multiple variable logistic regression model is developed to determine such factors, from a nationally representative weighted sample of around 30,000 single-vehicle fixed object motorcycle collisions which occurred in the United States over the 10-year period between 2000 and 2009. Additionally, a single variable logistic regression model is developed for motorcyclist fatality risk from fixed object collisions as a function of travel speed. This model may be a useful predictive tool for implementing motorcyclist safety strategies.