Risk Factors in Motorcyclist Fatalities in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the following factors on rider fatality: rider's age, gender, licensing status, accident liability, use of helmet, alcohol consumption, vehicle class, road conditions, presence of passengers, and passenger injuries. METHODS: Data on motorcycle accidents in Taiwan between 2006 and 2008 were analyzed. A logistic regression model was used to establish a fatality risk model for motorcyclists and investigate high-risk factors for motorcyclist fatality. RESULTS: Higher fatality rates among motorcycle riders correlate with the following factors: male, older, unlicensed, not wearing a helmet, riding after drinking, and driving heavy (i.e., above 550 cc) motorcycles. In addition, motorcyclists involved in nighttime, nonurban single-vehicle accidents have a higher risk of death, and lone riders have a higher risk of death in accidents than do riders carrying passengers. The seriousness of passenger injury also correlates positively with the rider's risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 60 percent of all driving fatalities in Taiwan involve motorcycles. Consideration of factors behind the high frequency and risk of motorcycle deaths, specifically rider age above 60 years, not wearing a motorcycle helmet, riding after drinking, and driving without a valid license, could help in the development of effective traffic safety management measures.