Effects of Impulsive Sensation Seeking, Aggression and Risk-Taking Behaviors on the Vulnerability of Motorcyclists

Abstract

While extensive research efforts have been devoted to improve the motorcycle safety, the relationship between rider behaviors and the crash risk is still not well understood. The objective of this study is to evaluate how behavioral factors influence the crash risk and to identify the most vulnerable group of motorcyclists. To explore the rider behaviors, a questionnaire containing 61-items of impulsive sensation seeking, aggression, and risk-taking behaviors was developed. By clustering the crash risk using the medoid portioning algorithm, a log-linear model relating rider behaviors to the crash risk has been developed. Results show that motorcyclists who have been involved in a crash score higher in all three behavioral traits. Aggressive and high risk-taking motorcyclists are more likely to fall under the high vulnerable group while impulsive sensation seeking behavior is not found to be significant. Defining personality types from aggression and risk-taking behaviors, “Extrovert” and “Follower” personality type of motorcyclists are more prone to crashes. The findings of this study will be useful for road safety campaign planners to identify and place more focus on target group. The results may also be useful to those who employ motorcyclists for their delivery businesses.