Motorcycle Use in the United States: Crash Experiences, Safety Perspectives, and Countermeasures

Abstract

Motorcycles are an important form of personal transportation used by many Americans. They provide an enjoyable recreational opportunity for many and a convenient, functional mode of transportation for others. However, U.S. motorcycle crash rates are 68% higher (per vehicle-mile traveled [VMT]) than those for other vehicles, and their fatal crash rates are more than 28 times higher. This investigation examines the riding and crash experiences and safety perceptions and recommendations of 238 U.S. motorcyclists. Top rider recommendations to other motorcyclists are to wear a helmet, to avoid riding under the influence (of alcohol or drugs), and to obtain motorcycle training. Ordered probit model results for helmet-use prediction suggest that those who ride on a daily or weekly basis and have received formal motorcycle training are more likely to wear a helmet. Other results show that rider training is most common among those who wear a helmet, ride on a weekly or monthly basis, and ride to and from work, school, and/or errands. Negative binomial model results for crash count experiences suggest that long-distance riders and those with criminal convictions are at greater risk of crashing than others, whereas those who have not received motorcycle training are less likely to have been involved in a crash at some point in their riding history.