Characteristics of motorcycle crashes in Thailand and factors affecting crash severity: Evidence from in-depth crash investigation

Motorcycles are vehicles with the highest risk of involvement in crashes. Based on the integrated data of road crash fatalities reported by the police, hospitals, and insurance companies, motorcycle crashes account for more than 80% of all crashes in Thailand, and the number of fatalities from motorcycle crashes was as high as 84% of the total fatalities from road crashes in the country. This study conducted an in-depth motorcycle crash investigation to understand the collision patterns and characteristics of motorcycle crashes, and to identify the contributing factors affecting the severity of motorcycle crashes in Thailand. The types of opponent vehicles, crash areas, the time of the crash, riders’ age, possession of a motorcycle license, riders’ attention failure, types of human failure, collision avoidance, alcohol use, helmet use, headlight, and traveled speed were discovered to be significant factors affecting motorcycle crash severity. Based on the findings of this study, it has been suggested that to reduce the number of fatalities from motorcycle crashes, the related government agencies should seriously consider how to improve the safe riding skills of motorcycle users. The need for basic safety skills should be practiced by all riders, such as defensive driving skills, knowledge of alcohol risks, proper helmet use, and proper collision avoidance maneuvers. Proper rider training courses are necessary to provide basic knowledge for safe motorcycle operation in traffic, as well as safe traffic strategy and collision avoidance skills.