Risk factors to driver fatalities in single-vehicle crashes: comparisons between non-motorcycle drivers and motorcyclists

Single-vehicle crash data for 2000 from Taiwan's Road Accident Investigation & Reporting System were employed to compare fatality risk factors between non-motorcycle drivers and motorcyclists. On average, motorcyclists had approximately a three times higher fatality risk than non-motorcycle drivers after adjusting for the driving mileage. Two respective logistic regression models for these two categories of drivers indicated that some common features, such as being male, a higher age, and crashes occurring between the hours of 2200 and 0600 revealed a greater likelihood of fatality. On the other hand, the risk discrepancies between these two drivers included the restraint-use effect, speeding, and impairment as the main crash cause, roadway class, and vehicle type. To reduce the high risk of fatality sustained by these two classes of drivers, enhancing the driver's seatbelt-use rate, the management of running speed, the rider's risk perceptions, and the road quality and facilities of the lowest roadway class are particularly recommended. CE Database subject headings: Risk management; Fatalities; Traffic accidents; Taiwan.