Examining risky riding behavior in India using Motorcycle rider behavior questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Road safety research
• Transportation psychology
• Accident analysis

Background:

• Powered two-wheelers (PTW) are highly vulnerable road users, with increasing fatalities necessitating better understanding of rider behavior.
• Existing Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaires (MRBQ) show inconsistencies, requiring revision for accurate assessment of Indian riders.
• Previous studies highlight the need for predictive validity of rider behavior assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the MRBQ for Indian riders and assess its predictive validity.
• To identify key aberrant riding behaviors and their relationship with crash risk in India.
• To provide data for developing targeted safety interventions for PTW riders.

Main Methods:

• Modified the MRBQ based on expert and rider focus group feedback.
• Administered the revised MRBQ to 392 Indian PTW riders.
• Conducted exploratory factor analysis, known group construct validity, and negative binomial regression.

Main Results:

• A 32-item, four-factor MRBQ (traffic errors, control errors, speed violations, stunts) was developed.
• Indian riders generally exhibited safe behavior, with speed violations being the most frequent aberrant behavior.
• Traffic errors were the most significant predictor of crash risk, while gender significantly affected reported behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The revised MRBQ effectively captures riding behavior patterns in Indian PTW riders.
• Targeted interventions focusing on reducing traffic errors and speed violations are crucial for enhancing PTW safety in India.
• Further research should explore age-related differences and specific counter-measure strategies.