Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users globally. In Argentina, this group faces a critical safety crisis, accounting for 4 out of every 10 traffic fatalities in 2022. Despite this disproportionately high crash rate, research into the contextual perceptions and experiences that shape motorcyclists' safety behaviors remains limited. This qualitative study aims to explore riders' views on risk factors, safety practices, and strategies for improving road safety.
A total of 63 riders (ages 18 to 49), segmented by age, gender, and use type (work-related or private), participated in eight focus groups organized in two major Argentine cities: Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Thematic analysis of the discussions reveal that participants primarily attributed risk to reckless behavior by drivers of larger vehicles, inadequate infrastructure, and—for occupational riders—adverse work conditions and economic pressures. Participants acknowledged engaging in risky behaviors such as speeding and alcohol consumption, which were often justified by factors like crime avoidance, time constraints, or habit. Additional influences on safety included factors such as motorcycle type, maintenance, and rider experience. Of note, overconfidence—especially among younger riders—was identified as a contributing factor to crashes. Strong facilitators for safer practices included motivational factors like family responsibilities and personal crash experiences, as well as recognized external interventions such as enforcement, awareness campaigns, training, and licensing improvements. Findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, context-sensitive interventions that address both the structural environment and the behavioral determinants of motorcycle safety, particularly for the growing population of delivery riders.
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