Investigation and Analysis of Motorcycle Safety in Rural China

Abstract

To determine the causes of and countermeasures for motorcycle accidents in rural areas of China, a study was undertaken to consider three primary contributors to such accidents: people, vehicles, and management. A self-report questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of motorcycle riders (n = 480) in Linyi, Shandong Province. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS, Version 17.0. Four hundred and three valid questionnaires were collected, only 60 of which recorded drivers with a license. Many riders carried passengers (74.9%) or goods (62.5%) on their motorcycles. Although the rate of helmet use among these motorcyclists was low, speeding and drunk driving were prevalent. The results consistently showed that in rural areas, motorcyclists had little awareness of traffic safety and that risky driving behavior was common among them. Therefore, education and prevention strategies need to be targeted at motorcycle riders to enhance their safety awareness. Administrative officials must also strengthen their management of motorcycles in rural areas.