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This study aimed to investigate the association between drunk riding, unhelmeted riding, unlicensed riding, and running-off-road (ROR) crashes. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) by using the National Taiwan Traffic Crash Dataset for 2011–2016. The results revealed that unhelmeted riding was associated with 138% (AOR = 2.38; CI (confidence interval) = 2.34–2.42) and 47% (AOR = 1.47; CI = 1.45–1.49) higher risks of drunk riding and unlicensed riding, respectively. The risk of unhelmeted riding increased with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), and riders with the minimum BAC (0.031–0.05%) had nearly five times (AOR = 4.99; CI = 4.74–5.26) higher odds of unlicensed riding compared with those of riders with a negative BAC. Unhelmeted riding, drunk riding, and unlicensed riding were associated with 1.21 times (AOR = 1.21; CI = 1.13–1.30), 2.38 times (AOR = 2.38; CI = 2.20–2.57), and 1.13 times (AOR = 1.13; CI = 1.06–1.21) higher odds of ROR crashes, respectively. The three risky riding behaviours (i.e., unhelmeted riding, drunk riding, and unlicensed riding) were significantly related to ROR crashes. The risk of unhelmeted riding and ROR crashes increased with BACs.

Backover crashes cause considerable injuries especially among young children. Prior research on backover crashes has not assessed the joint effect of heavy vehicles and diminished light conditions on injuries. By analysing the United Kingdom STATS19 crash dataset from 1991 to 2020, this study focused on backover crashes involving paediatric cyclists or pedestrians aged ≤17 years and other motorised vehicles. By estimating the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of multiple logistic regression models, pedestrians appeared to have 82.3% (95% CI: 1.78–1.85) higher risks of sustaining killed or serious injuries (KSIs) than cyclists. In addition, casualties involved in backover crashes with heavy vehicles were 39.3% (95% CI: 1.35–1.42) more likely to sustain KSIs than those involved in crashes with personal cars. The joint effect of heavy vehicles and diminished light conditions was associated with a 71% increased probability of sustaining KSIs (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.60–1.83). Other significant joint effects included young children (aged 0 to 5 years) as pedestrian (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.87–1.97), in diminished light conditions (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.15–1.31), and with heavy vehicle (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.28–1.47).

Exposure to air pollutants may elevate the injury severity scores (ISSs) for road traffic injuries (RTIs). This multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between air pollution, weather conditions, and RTI severity. This retrospective study was performed in Taiwan in 2018. The location of each road traffic accident (RTA) was used to determine the nearest air quality monitoring and weather station, and the time of each RTA was matched to the corresponding hourly air pollutant concentration and weather factors. Five multiple logistic regression models were used to compute the risk of sustaining severe injury (ISS ≥ 9). Of the 14,973 patients with RTIs, 2853 sustained severe injury. Moderate or unhealthy air quality index, higher exposure to particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter, bicyclists or pedestrians, greater road width, nighttime, and higher temperature and relative humidity were significant risk factors for severe injury. Exposure to nitrogen oxide and ozone did not increase the risk. Auto occupants and scene-to-hospital time were the protective factors. Sensitivity analyses showed consistent results between air pollutants and the risk of severe injury. Poor air quality and hot and humid weather conditions were associated with severe RTIs. Active commuters were at higher risk of sustaining severe RTI.

The study results serve as a reminder for parents, children, and drivers to be alert to the danger of traffic crashes on Halloween. The aim of this study was to examine whether Halloween is associated with a higher incidence of traffic injuries and whether traffic injuries sustained on Halloween are more severe than those sustained on other days. The U.K. STATS19 database, including the data of all road traffic crashes occurring from 1990 to 2017, was employed. A total of 73,587 pediatric traffic casualties (involving pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders) were included. Between 17:00 and 19:00 (17:00~18:59) on Halloween, the number of casualties was higher than that on other public holidays and usual days. The logistic regression model revealed that, between 17:00 and 18:00 (17:00~17:59), the risk of being killed or seriously injured on Halloween was 34.2% higher (odds ratio = 1.342, 95% CI = 1.065–1.692) than that on other days. Pediatric crashes occurring on Halloween are associated with a higher number of injuries and increased injury severity.

University neighborhoods in Taiwan have high-volume traffic, which may increase motorcyclists’ risk of injury. However, few studies have analyzed the environmental factors affecting motorcycle crash injury severity in university neighborhoods. In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we explored the factors that increase the severity of such injuries, especially among young adults. We retrospectively connected hospital data to the Police Traffic Accident Dataset. Areas within 500 m of a university were considered university neighborhoods. We analyzed 4751 patients, including 513 with severe injury (injury severity score ≥ 8). Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex, age ≥ 45 years, drunk driving, early morning driving, flashing signals, and single-motorcycle crashes were risk factors for severe injury. Among patients aged 18–24 years, female sex, late-night and afternoon driving, and flashing signals were risk factors. Adverse weather did not increase the risk. Time to hospital was a protective factor, reflecting the effectiveness of urban emergency medical services. Lifestyle habits among young adults, such as drunk driving incidents and afternoon and late-night driving, were also explored. We discovered that understanding chaotic traffic in the early morning, flashing signals at the intersections, and roadside obstacles is key for mitigating injury severity from motorcycle crashes in university neighborhoods.

The presence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in water is concerning because of their potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Studies have indicated that these emerging contaminants cannot be effectively removed through conventional water treatment. In this study, the efficacy of various treatments - chlorination, ultraviolet (UV), UV/Chlorine, and UV/H

Background: Studies have suggested that trauma centre-related risk factors, such as distance to the nearest trauma hospital, are strong predictors of fatal injuries among motorists. Few studies have used a national dataset to study the effect of trauma centre-related risk factors on fatal injuries among motorists and motorcyclists in a country where traffic is dominated by motorcycles. This study investigated the effect of distance from the nearest trauma hospital on fatal injuries from two-vehicle crashes in Taiwan from 2017 to 2019. Methods: A crash dataset and hospital location dataset were combined. The crash dataset was extracted from the National Taiwan Traffic Crash Dataset from 1 January 2017 through 31 December 2019. The primary exposure in this study was distance to the nearest trauma hospital. This study performed a multiple logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for fatal injuries. Results: The multivariate logistic regression models indicated that motorcyclists involved in crashes located ≥5 km from the nearest trauma hospital and in Eastern Taiwan were approximately five times more likely to sustain fatal injuries (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI: 3.69–7.49). Conclusions: Distance to, level of, and region of the nearest trauma centre are critical risk factors for fatal injuries among motorcyclists but not motorists. To reduce the mortality rate of trauma cases among motorcyclists, interventions should focus on improving access to trauma hospitals.

Background: Research suggests that drivers tend to engage in risk-taking behaviours on public holidays. Studies that examined the association between holidays (or other special days) and fatal injuries are inconsistent. This study used UK STATS19 data to investigate the associations of nine public holidays on road crash casualties. Methods: This retrospective study assessed UK STATS19 crash data for 1990&ndash, 2017. All casualties from two vehicle crashes were initially considered, subsequently, casualties with missing data were excluded. Multiple logistic regression was estimated to explore the associations of potential risk factors with the likelihood of killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties and to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Results: In total, 3,751,998 casualties from traffic accidents in the United Kingdom during 1990&ndash, 2017 were included in the final data set, among these, 410,299 (10.9%) were KSI casualties, and 3,341,699 (89.1%) were slight injuries. Crashes on public holidays were 16% (AOR = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13&ndash, 1.19) more likely to involve KSI casualties than were crashes on non-holidays. With other factors controlled for, crashes during the Queen&rsquo, s 2002 Golden Jubilee and on New Year&rsquo, s Day were 48% (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06&ndash, 2.07) and 36% (AOR = 1.36, 1.26&ndash, 1.48) more likely to lead to KSIs, respectively. Conclusions: The proportion of crashes resulting in KSI casualties on public holidays was higher than that on non-holidays. Furthermore, crashes during the Queen&rsquo, s 2002 Golden Jubilee had the highest risk of KSI casualties followed by New Year&rsquo, s Day.

The driving performance of professional truck drivers was assessed though a driving simulator and correlated with Big Five personality traits, sensation seeking, and present time perspective. The variables measured were speed and lateral position in the lane. The Big Five personality traits were measured by a NEO-FFI questionnaire, sensation seeking by the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, and the present time perspective by the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory. Participants were professional drivers who drove through three scenarios in a truck simulator. Sensation seeking and hedonistic present time perspective were associated with a higher mean speed. Conscientiousness correlated with a lower mean speed. Extraversion and sensation seeking were associated with driving more on the right side of the lane. Relationships identified in previous research on automobile drivers were confirmed for professional truck drivers according to (1) higher speed/higher risky behavior and (2) higher sensation seeking, greater present time perspective, and lower conscientiousness.

Since the launch of the smartphone game “Pokemon Go”, the worldwide craze has led to numerous traffic crashes and injuries resulting from falling or tripping. This paper investigates the effects of several smartphone distracting activities (gaming, talking, texting, Web surfing, and listening to music) on the street-crossing behaviours of pedestrians in Taipei City, Taiwan. A field study using video cameras was conducted to observe pedestrian crossing behaviours (e.g., crossing time, sudden movements, running a red light, and walking outside the crosswalk) at a selected signalised intersection. Data such as phone features, distracting activities, and personal attributes of the pedestrians were obtained in interviews conducted after pedestrians had completed crossing the street. In total, 1995 pedestrians engaging in various smartphone activities were observed. Results indicate that unsafe crossing behaviours were more prevalent among those playing “Pokemon Go”. Texting via instant-message apps appeared to be the second-most risk distracting activity. Results of the logistic models reveal that contributing factors to unsafe behaviours include being a student, phone screen of 5 in. or larger, and having an unrestricted 4G Internet data allowance. Two interaction terms (gaming × students, and gaming × unlimited 4G data allowance) in the models appear to be important determinants of unsafe crossing behaviours. The current research suggests that to prevent potential crashes and injuries, smartphone gaming while crossing the street should be prohibited.

Pedestrians' head-turning behaviors are crucial to navigating streets safely. This research investigates the effects of phone use on pedestrians' street-crossing behaviors at an uncontrolled intersection where head-turning performances are important to identify a gap among the oncoming traffic. A field study using video cameras was conducted for evaluating pedestrians' head-turning behaviors (e.g., head-turning frequency, not looking at traffic before crossing, looking at the wrong traffic side), crossing time, and sudden movement while they were engaging in various smartphone activities (e.g., calling, texting, gaming, and listening to music). Data such as phone features, distraction types, and personal attributes of the pedestrians were obtained in the interviews conducted after pedestrians had completed crossing the street. The results indicate that the unsafe crossing behaviors (e.g., sudden movement, fewer head-turning frequencies, not looking at traffic before crossing, not looking at left s...

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has been of concerns for their potential threats to ecosystems and human's health for decades. PPCPs have been detected in water environments worldwide and have been identified in water sources and finished water. To elucidate the potential exposure of PPCPs in drinking water, this study assessed the occurrences and treatment efficiencies of PPCPs in the drinking water of Taiwan. Raw and finished water samples collected from five main drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in February, June, and November 2018 were analyzed. Furthermore, laboratory-scale water treatment processes were conducted to evaluate the treatment efficiencies of these chemicals. Most of the water samples from the DWTPs had a low concentration (30 ng/L) of PPCPs. Only samples from a DWTP was observed to have higher concentration of ibuprofen (55.6 ng/L), benzophenone (92.5 ng/L), caffeine (390.5 ng/L), and diethyltoluamide (DEET) (434.9 ng/L) in raw water than others. The results of laboratory simulations indicated that the pre-chlorination process was the key step responsible for the removal of PPCPs in conventional water treatment processes, which can remove most of the hormone treatment products, parabens, oxybenzone, and acetaminophen in water sources. However, the filtration process with anthracite as a medium could remove some of the parabens (approximately 11.9%-41.2%), hormones (approximately 18.2%-44.8%), suntan lotions (37.5%-68.8%), and naproxen (30.1%) from Milli-Q water. The removal efficiencies of the aforementioned chemicals were marginally lower in raw water. However, analgesics, caffeine, and DEET cannot be removed effectively through conventional drinking water treatment.

Background Alcohol-involved riders tend to engage in other risk-taking behaviours such as un-helmeted riding which could further increases injury severity. The combined effect of alcohol-involved and un-helmeted riding on fatal injuries is rarely investigated. This study investigated the interaction effect between blood alcohol concentration and helmet use on fatal injuries. Methods This study used the National Taiwan Traffic Crash Dataset for the period from 2011 to 2015. Data on road crashes involving a motorcycle and an automobile were extracted and analysed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). We calculated an interaction effect for blood alcohol concentration and helmet use based on STROBE guidelines. Results There were a total of 669,292 motorcyclist casualties; among these casualties, 3459 (0.5 %) motorcyclists sustained fatal injuries. Alcohol-involved riders were 9.47 times (AOR = 9.47; 95 % CI = 8.75–10.25) more likely than sober ones to sustain fatal injuries. Alcohol-involved and un-helmeted riders were approximately 18 times (AOR = 18.1; CI: 15.9–20.4) more likely to sustain fatal injuries than sober and helmeted riders. Riders involved in head-on crashes and approach-turn motorcycle crashes had an increased probability of sustaining fatal injuries by 240 % (AOR = 3.4; 95 % CI = 2.91–4.09) and 132 % (AOR = 2.3; 95 % CI = 2.016–2.67), respectively. Conclusions This study found that alcohol-involved riding acts synergistically with un-helmeted riding to increase motorcyclist injury severity.

Background Allowing contraflow cycling on one-way streets has been reported to reduce crash risks in Belgium and the United Kingdom. Similarly, walking against traffic on roadways without sidewalks substantially improves pedestrian safety. This study examined fatalities and head injuries sustained by pedestrians in against-traffic and with-traffic crashes. Methods Using police-reported crash data in Taiwan between 2011 and 2016, fatalities and head injuries were compared for pedestrians involved in against-traffic and with-traffic crashes. Results Of the 14,382 pedestrians involved in crashes, 10,749 and 3633 pedestrians in with-traffic and against-traffic crashes, respectively, were reported. Compared with pedestrians involved in against-traffic crashes, those in with-traffic crashes were more likely to sustain fatalities and head injuries. Results of logistic regression models revealed several influential factors on pedestrian fatalities and head injuries, including elderly pedestrians, male drivers, intoxicated drivers, rural roadways, unlit streets in darkness, limited sight distance, adverse weather conditions, midnight hours, and a heavy vehicle as the crash partner. Conclusions Pedestrians in with-traffic crashes were more likely to sustain fatalities and head injuries compared with those in against-traffic crashes. Furthermore, the negative effect of walking with traffic on injuries was more pronounced in reduced-visibility conditions.

Background Motorcycle full-coverage helmet use may reduce fatalities and head injuries. Methods This retrospective cohort study extracted injury data from eight level-I trauma centres in Taiwan and performed a questionnaire survey to investigate injuries sustained by motorcyclists for the period between January 2015 and June 2017. Results As many as 725 patients participated in the questionnaire survey and reported their helmet types or phone use during crashes. The results of multivariate logistic models demonstrated that nonstandard helmet (half or open-face helmet) use was associated with an increased risk of head injuries and more severe injuries (injury severity score ≥ 8). Drunk riding and phone use appeared to be two important risk factors for head injuries and increased injury severity. Anaemia was also found to be a determinant of head injuries.” Conclusions Compared to full-coverage helmets, nonstandard provide less protection against head injuries and increased injury severity among motorcyclists.

The cybersecurity of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is an important emerging area of research in traffic safety. Because human failure is the most common reason for a successful cyberattack, human-factor researchers and psychologists might improve AV cybersecurity by researching how to decrease the probability of a successful attack. We review some areas of research connected to the human factor in cybersecurity and find many potential issues. Psychologists might research the characteristics of people prone to cybersecurity failure, the types of scenarios they fail in and the factors that influence this failure or over-trust of AV. Human behavior during a cyberattack might be researched, as well as how to educate people about cybersecurity. Multitasking has an effect on the ability to defend against a cyberattack and research is needed to set the appropriate policy. Human-resource researchers might investigate the skills required for personnel working in AV cybersecurity and how to detect potential defectors early. The psychological profile of cyber attackers should be investigated to be able to set policies to decrease their motivation. Finally, the decrease of driver's driving skills as a result of using AV and its connection to cybersecurity skills is also worth of research.

Key Points Question Do differences exist in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who had emergency treatment or hospitalization due to injuries compared with those who did not? Findings In this cohort study of 2 973 831 pregnant women, emergency treatment for injuries was associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with injury-related hospitalization were also at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Meaning This study found that pregnant women who sustained injuries requiring hospitalization or emergency department visits exhibited higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature delivery., Importance Literature has suggested that trauma among pregnant women is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, limited research has investigated the association of trauma with adverse pregnancy outcomes by using a national data set. Objective To investigate the association between traumatic injury and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study of pregnant women in Taiwan linked 3 data sets, the Taiwan Birth Registry, Household Registration Information, and National Health Insurance Research Database, from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2014. Data, including the characteristics of pregnant women and infants, were extracted from the Taiwan Birth Registry data set; to obtain trauma data, this data set and the Household Registration Information data set were collectively linked to National Health Insurance Research Database data. The combined data set was analyzed from January to July 2019. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and premature delivery were defined using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Exposures The primary exposures of this study were 2 clinical variables related to injury during pregnancy: medical treatment in the emergency department (yes or no) and hospitalization (yes or no). Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome variable was adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the secondary outcome variable was premature delivery. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of injuries with adverse pregnancy outcomes after controlling for demographic characteristics and other pregnancy-related variables. Results A total of 2 973 831 pregnant women (2 475 805 [83.3%] aged 20-34 years) were enrolled between 2004 and 2014, of whom 59 681 (2.0%) sought medical treatments due to injuries. Results of multivariate logistic regression models showed that women receiving emergency treatments more than once were 1.08 times as likely (adjusted odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.10) to have adverse pregnancy outcomes than women who received no emergency treatment. Women with injury-related hospitalization were 1.53 times more likely (adjusted odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.41-1.65) to have adverse pregnancy outcomes than women who did not sustain injuries. Furthermore, recurrent injuries were associated with a 572% increase in odds of premature delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 6.72; 95% CI, 2.86-15.80). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, trauma among pregnant women was associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, as were hospitalization and emergency department visits due to injury., This population-based cohort study examines the association between traumatic injury and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Taiwan.

The paper investigates the effects of phone use talking, texting, and listening to music on the street-crossing behaviours of pedestrians and their inattentional blindness in Taiwan. Recent handsets with touchscreens, as well as more advanced features including multimedia, and mobile applications apps, exacerbate problems relating to cognitive distraction and reduced situation awareness. A controlled field study using video cameras was conducted for observing pedestrians’ crossing behaviours e.g. crossing time, sudden stops, looking both ways before crossing, and disobeying traffic signals. Pedestrians were classified into two groups: experimental group talking, texting, and listening to music and control group no phone use. Pedestrians’ inattentional blindness was examined by evaluating whether they saw and heard an unusual object i.e. a clown nearby. The results indicate that the proportions of unsafe crossing behaviours e.g. sudden stops, disobeying traffic signals, and not looking both ways before crossing were higher among distracted individuals and more pronounced among those using instant-messaging apps. These instant-message app users were the least likely to see the clown, and music listeners were the least likely to hear the horn that the clown was honking. Contributing factors to unsafe behaviours include being a student, having a phone screen of 5 inches or larger, and having unlimited 3G Internet access. Texting message via apps was the leading factor on unsafe crossing behaviours of pedestrians and their inattentional blindness.

Summary This paper examines pedestrian anatomical injuries and crash characteristics in back-to-traffic and facing-traffic crashes. Pedestrian crashes involving pedestrians walking along streets (i.e. with their backs to traffic or facing traffic) have been overlooked in literature. Although this is not the most frequent type of crash, the crash consequence to pedestrians is a safety concern. Combining Taiwan A1A2 police-reported accident data and data from the National Health Insurance Database from years 2003–2013, this paper examines anatomical injuries and crash characteristics in back-to-traffic and facing-traffic crashes. There were a total of 830 and 2267 pedestrian casualties in back-to-traffic and facing-traffic crashes respectively. The injuries sustained by pedestrians and crash characteristics of these two crash types were compared with those of other crossing types of crashes (nearside crash, nearside dart-out crash, offside crash, and offside dart-out crash). Odds of various injuries to body regions were estimated using logistic regressions. Key findings include that the percentage of fatalities in back-to-traffic crashes is the highest; logistic models reveal that pedestrians in back-to-traffic crashes sustained more head, neck, and spinal injuries than did pedestrians in other crash types, and unlit darkness and non-built-up roadways were associated with an increased risk of pedestrian head injuries. Several crash features (e.g. unlit darkness, overtaking manoeuvres, phone use by pedestrians and drivers, and intoxicated drivers) are more frequently evident in back-to-traffic crashes than in other types of crashes. The current research suggests that in terms of crash consequence, facing traffic is safer than back to traffic. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective In Taiwan, light motorcycles (LMCs) with cylinder capacities between 50 and 250 cc are widely used for daily commute. These vehicles are operated in a mixed traffic environment and prohibited on highways. In light of increasing motorcycle casualties, we conducted a multicentre study to analyse rider factors affecting injury severity. Methods Riders hospitalised upon LMC crashes were contacted. Information on demographics, comorbidities, and riding behaviours was collected through questionnaires and linked to hospital data. The injury severity score (ISS) and length of hospitalisation (LOH) were used as injury severity measures. Results In total, 725 patients (mean age: 37.7 years; 64% men) completed their questionnaires. Multivariate analysis results showed that age ≥ 65 years, half-face helmets, protective clothing, collisions with a bus/truck or car, and fatigue riding were risk factors for having an ISS of ≥9. Age ≥ 65 years; motorcycle crashes ≥2 times in the previous year; anaemia; rural crashes; half-face helmets; protective boots; collisions with a bus/truck, car, or a stationary object; alcohol/stimulating refreshment consumption; and fatigue riding were risk factors for increased LOH. A protective factor was individuals working in commerce. Collisions with opening car doors caused low risks of having an ISS of ≥9 and a short LOH. Conclusion Certain factors were significantly associated with riders' injury severity and related medical resource consumption. Because of differences in the power output, use, and riding environment, risk factors for severe injuries in LMC crashes are dissimilar from those for heavy motorcycles (cylinder capacities > 250 cc) in developed countries and deserve more attention for injury prevention. Further in-depth evaluation of significant factors based on this study's results can yield valuable information to reduce severe injuries after LMC crashes in countries and areas with a high dependency on motorcycles, even considering the popularity of electric motorcycles.

Several emerging smartphone location-based augmented-reality (AR) games require three primary tasks: training or battling a monster, capturing a monster, and searching for a monster, which involve different levels of perceptual load. Using the AR game originated from Japan as a single case study, this study examined inattentional blindness and deafness and risk-taking inclinations among participants concurrently descending stairs and engaging in these three tasks. Participants descending stairs in Taipei Medical University were observed through recordings obtained from Wi-Fi cameras to determine whether they engaged in risk-taking behaviors such as hopping, not using the handrail, and stopping suddenly. After the participants descended the stairs, they were interviewed to obtain additional information regarding demographics, game tasks (training or battling a monster, capturing a monster, or searching for a monster), data plan, and screen size. Inattentional blindness and deafness were investigated by determining whether participants saw something unusual, a police ascending the stairs, and heard the national anthem played by the police, respectively. In total, 1036 participants descended the stairs and underwent the interview between August 2016 and July 2018. Logistic regression models revealed that training or battling a monster was most associated with inattentional blindness, deafness, not using the handrail, and stopping suddenly, whereas hopping behavior was the commonest among those capturing a monster. Other contributory factors include a large smartphone screen (≥5 in), unlimited mobile data, being an undergraduate student, and an increase in the daily gaming hours. Development of smartphone apps toward detection of stair locomotion may be beneficial for curbing phone use in general and AR game playing in particular.

Background Research has suggested that sun glare poses serious driving hazards and increases accident risks. Drivers of large vehicles (bus/coach, heavy goods vehicle) are exposed long-term sun glare but the impact to their injury severity, given that a crash has occurred, is unknown. Objectives This study attempts to investigate whether sun glare is associated more severe injuries sustained by drivers of large vehicles. Method Using UK Stats19 accident data (1990–2010), injury severity is compared for crashes affected by sun glare (face-sun crashes) and those not affected by sun glare (back-to-sun crashes). An overall logit model was estimated to identify whether face-sun crashes were more injurious than back-to-sun crashes, while controlling for other variables. One additional logit model by face-sun crashes was then estimated to identify the contributory factors to KSIs (killed or seriously injured). Results A total of 4 85 739 crashes involving large vehicles were extracted from the Stats19 for the period 1990–2010. It was found that drivers in face-sun crashes were 1.192 times more likely to sustain KSI (AOR=1.192; CI: 1.152–1.234), compared to those in back-to-sun crashes. The face-sun logit model reveals several important determinants of KSIs: for instance, male drivers, young drivers (up to 19), rural roadways, in autumn seasons, and during sunset hours. Conclusions We conclude that sun glare, especially travelling during sunset hours, is associated with an increased injury severity sustained by drivers of large vehicles. To reduce injury severity, intervention points are discussed finally.

Background Research has suggested that sun glare poses serious driving hazards and increases accident risks. Relatively few studies, however, have been conducted to examine the effects of sun glare on motorcyclist injury severity, given that an accident has occurred. Objectives This study attempts to investigate whether sun glare results in an increased injury severity sustained by motorcyclists. Method Using UK Stats19 accident data (1990–2010), the investigation was conducted by comparing and contrasting crashes that are possibly affected by sun glare (face-sun) with those not affected by sun glare (back-to-sun). A pooled binary logit model was estimated to identify whether face-sun crashes were more injurious than back-to-sun crashes, while controlling for other variables. One additional binary logit model by face-sun crashes was then estimated to identify the contributory factors to KSIs (killed or seriously injured). Results A total of 5 30 291 motorcycle crashes were extracted from the Stats19 for the period 1990–2010. It was found that drivers in face-sun crashes were 1.11 times more likely to sustain KSI (AOR=1.11; CI: 1.082–1.134), compared to those in back-to-sun crashes. The face-sun logistic model reveals several important determinants of KSI: for instance, male riders, elderly riders, urban roadways, and those riding heavier motorcycles. Conclusions We conclude that sun glare is associated with an increased injury severity sustained by motorcyclists. To reduce injury severity, intervention points are discussed finally.

Objectives In western countries, a typical car-motorcycle crash occurs at an intersection where a car manoeuvres into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, which involves a car driver violates motorcycle’s right of way (ROW). In Taiwan, however, a unique type of crash (approach-turn crash) occurs when a turning (including U-turn) motorcycle frequently infringes upon a car’s ROW. The primary objective of this study was to examine injuries sustained by motorcyclists in this unique type of crash. Method Using the linked data from the National Taiwan Crash Database and the National Health Insurance Research Data from 2003 to 2015, this study examined several anatomical injuries (e.g., head and face, neck, chest and abdomen, spine, and lower extremities), as well as the resulting injury severity (e.g., death within 30 days, hospitalisation, and emergency visit only/outpatient, and length of hospital stay). Variables examined include demographic data (sex, age, alcohol use, license status, and helmet use), vehicle attributes (engine size, type of crash partner, and crash type), road and environmental factors (curvature, crash location, day of week and time of crash). Injuries sustained by motorcyclists in an approach-turn motorcycle-turning crash (motorcycle is a ROW violator) were compared with those sustained by motorcyclists in an approach-turn car-turning crash (car is the ROW violator). Results A total of 21,919 motorcyclists were enrolled, of whom 18,041 and 3878 were motorcyclists involved in approach-turn car-turning and motorcycle-turning crashes, respectively. The percentage of death within 30 days; hospitalisation; length of hospital stay; and injuries to the head and face, neck, and chest and abdomen were significantly higher for motorcyclists in approach-turn motorcycle-turning crashes. Results of logistic regression models revealed that riding under the influence of alcohol and riding without a licence were associated with death/hospitalisation, and injuries to particular body regions (head and face, neck, and chest and abdomen). Helmet use was associated with a decreased likelihood of head and face and neck injuries. Conclusion Motorcyclists tended to be more severely or fatally injured and had increased head and face, neck, and chest and abdomen injuries when they were ROW violators than when their ROWs were violated at an intersection. Efforts to curb drunk riding and unlicensed riding may constitute effective intervention points.

The bikeshare program in Taipei City and New Taipei City, called U-bike, was launched in August 2012 and has more than 7500 bicycles operating out of 769 stations. Research has suggested that bicycle helmet use is a means of reducing morbidity and mortality among bike users. Helmets, however, are not available for rent when a U-bike is rented. The current research conducted an observational study to examine the prevalence of helmet non-use by users of the bikeshare program, electric bicycles, racing bicycles, and personal bicycles in Taipei City and New Taipei City. Trained observers using compact video cameras collected helmet non-use data during various times of the day and on different days of the week. Observers collected data on cyclist attributes, bicycle types, and helmet use at several selected locations within Taipei City and New Taipei City. U-bike users were found to be the least likely to wear helmets. Other noteworthy findings include that violations such as phone use, red-light violations, and travelling at ≥25 km/h were associated with riding without a helmet. Male users of racing bikes tended not to wear helmets, while female users of other bicycle types were less likely to use a helmet. Carrying passengers by users of electric bikes and personal bikes was a determinant of helmet non-use. This paper concludes with a discussion and recommendations for future research.

Literature has suggested that angle/rear-end collisions would arise from the reality that motorists and motorcyclists tended to accelerate aggressively in response to the remaining seconds of green signal countdown device (GSCD). One safety concern, while GSCD has gradually been removed for safety in Taiwan, is pedestrian green signal countdown device (PGSCD) that is used by approaching motorists and motorcyclists that may adopt the information to travel aggressively - an unintended consequence that is detrimental to safety. Research has reported that there appeared no negative effect of PGSCD on motorist behaviours but the effect on motorcyclists' behaviours has been rarely investigated. Using video/speed cameras, the current research investigates motorcyclists' RLV (red-light violation) behaviours. The descriptive analyses indicate that the percentage of RLV at PGSCD intersection is higher than that at typical intersection, and the violating motorcycles appear to have higher travelling speeds at PGSCD intersection. Several interaction terms were examined with the binary logit framework, and the results reveal that several factors are associated with RLV, notably male/young riders, moped/large motorcycle users, higher approaching speeds of motorcycles, those with tropical helmets, and lower traffic volume. Similar determinants of early-start behaviours (for those waiting at reds and could view the PGSCDs for the crossing pedestrians at the same time) were identified. Implications of the research findings, the concluding remarks, and recommendations for future research are finally provided.

The most typical and catastrophic car-motorcycle crash occurs when a car manoeuvres into the path of an approaching motorcycle at an intersection, which involves a car driver violating motorcycle’s right of way (ROW). In Taiwan, however, motorcyclists are frequently the ROW violator—they are observed to frequently infringe upon the ROW of oncoming vehicles at intersections. Such a ROW crash in which a left-turn motorcyclist crosses in front of approaching traffic appears to be a safety problem in terms of its frequency and accident consequence. Using the National Taiwan Crash Database, the present study estimates a logistic regression model to predict the likelihood of an approach-turn motorcycle-turning crash (relative to a car-turning crash). Results indicate that given a ROW crash where the rider was female, old, drunk, unlicensed, riding a moped, and on a NBU roadway, the likelihood of a motorcycle-turning crash tends to increase. Our study contributes to the existing motorcycle safety research by reporting the determinants of the unique crashes in which the motorcyclist is the ROW violator.

To combat gas emissions produced by idling motorcycles at red lights, the Taiwanese government passed an “idle-stop (IS)” bill that requires manufacturers beginning in 2015 to equip 10% of newly manufactured motorcycles with a microchip enabling the idling engines to automatically shut off. Along with safety concerns over the new but controversial technology, the additional charge would influence riders' decisions to adopt the system. This article specifically studies this matter by using a survey that investigated the contributory factors to motorcyclists' adoption of the system. Probabilistic models were estimated using data gathered from 3,673 motorcyclists in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. Three separate models (by no incentive, purchase support, and annual tax rebate) with mixed logit formulation were estimated to investigate the effects of the variables on respondents' three levels of IS adoption (low, medium, high) and capture potential heterogeneity. Several variables (e.g., female riders) appear t...

In order to reduce CO 2 emissions from motorised transport, the Taiwanese government implemented an idling policy for vehicles in 2012. This paper applies a contingent valuation framework based on stated preference questions to calculate a reasonable fine for idling vehicles based on drivers’ preferences in Taiwan. Drivers were surveyed at urban roadsides to determine the amount of money they would prefer to pay for idling in excess of the 3 min currently allowed by law. The results obtained from our spike model analysis showed that drivers would prefer to pay a fine of 1720 NTD (approximately USD 57).

Through Xuanzang's journey to the west and his translated scriptures, the complete Buddhist Dharma was successfully introduced to the East. This has prompted the East Asians to develop an overall understanding of the Dharma, thereby affecting the making of Buddha's statues. The rich amount of content derived from the Buddhist scriptures later became a source of inspiration for other creators. As the ancient craftsmen further incorporated the original local cultural traits into their designs, the Buddhism-related cultural development in different parts of the East Asia region inspired a rich array of innovations. We believe that the translation of the Buddhist scriptures by Xuanzang is a key event of significance, as it enables people to accurately identify the core connotations of the Buddha statues. Such an impact has contributed to the diversity of the Buddhist cultural and creative industries in later years.