Understanding Emerging Motorcyclist Segments in Crashes using Florida Crash Data and Statewide Survey

Abstract

The United States experienced a continued sharp increase in motorcycle fatalities between 1997 and 2008, with a 9% average annual increase, which resulted in a rapid doubling of motorcycle fatalities within a decade. After a major decline in both the number of fatalities and the fatality rate between 2008 and 2009, motorcycle fatalities and fatality rates have been fluctuating. It was discovered that the demographics of motorcyclists involved in fatal motorcycle crashes have changed because of an increase in the number of motorcyclists under age 30 and over age 50 during the past 10 years. As a result, motorcyclists in the United States can be clustered into three distinct segments by age in crash experiences. This study used motorcycle crash data in Florida that observed similar demographic changes and explored characteristics of the three segments. Descriptive analyses including Chi-square tests showed that each segment had different crash outcomes and different levels of exposure to common risk factors. Crash injury models were developed to understand variables that increase the level of injury severity in each segment. A statewide survey was completed to explore the sociodemographic characteristics of the three motorcyclist segments in Florida, which often are not available through crash data. Overall, the three motorcycle segments identified in this study have unique riding characteristics and crash outcomes. This is essential information for developing and managing motorcycle safety programs in an effective and efficient manner.