The University of Adelaide CENTRE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY RESEARCH

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TitleThe relationship between Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire scores and crashes for riders in Australia
AuthorsStephens A, Brown J, De Rome L, Baldock MRJ, Fernandes R, Fitzharris M
Year2017
TypeJournal Article
AbstractMotorcycle riders are over-represented in road fatalities in Australia. While riders represent 18% of the road users killed each year, motorcycle registrations constitute only 4.5% of the registered vehicle fleet. The Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire (MRBQ) was developed with a view toward understanding behaviours likely to be associated with crash risk. These include behaviours that are either intentional (such as violations of road and speed regulations and stunts) or unintentional (such as errors relating to traffic or control of the bike), as well as protective behaviours related to use of safety equipment. The dual aims of the current study were, first, to confirm the appropriateness of the MRBQ for use in a representative sample of riders in Australia and, second, to understand which factors are associated with crash risk. A stratified sampling procedure was undertaken to ensure the socio-economic status of local government area, age and gender of the sample was representative of the broader population of riders in New South Wales, Australia. The sample consisted of 470 riders (males = 89%). The 43-item MRBQ was unable to be confirmed within this sample and subsequent factor analysis revealed a 29-item, five factor structure. Overall, riders reported relatively safe behaviours, with frequent use of safety gear and infrequent aberrant behaviours. However, even though infrequent, violations of speed, and errors related to control of the bike increased the risk of near-crashes, whilst stunt behaviours were associated with increased risk of crash involvement. Interventions and countermeasures need to target these specific behaviours.
Journal TitleAccident Analysis & Prevention
Journal Volume (Issue)102
Page Range202-212

Reference
Stephens A, Brown J, De Rome L, Baldock MRJ, Fernandes R, Fitzharris M (2017). The relationship between Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire scores and crashes for riders in Australia. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 102, 202-212.