Risk Factors on Motorcycle Accidents in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) have become the 8th leading cause of death for all ages and the 1st leading cause of death among the young generation in the world (World Health Organization-WHO,2018). Deaths and injuries resulting from road traffic crashes remain the main serious problem globally and current trends suggested that this will continue to be the case in the foreseeable future. The number of road traffic deaths continues to climb, reaching 1.3 million people. Despite the increase in absolute numbers, road traffic deaths have remained fairly constant at around 18 per 100,000 populations over the last five years (WHO, 2018). Looking at the prevalence of Road accident deaths, Motorcycle deaths have shown a significant contribution to road accidents (WHO, 2018). Globally, pedestrians and cyclists represent 26% of all deaths, while those using motorcycles and three-wheelers comprise another 28% (WHO, 2018). Because of this serious situation WHO has targeted “By 2030, to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes” under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (WHO, 2018). As the motorcycle is small in size, the riders tend to over speed and overload their motorcycles for a quick return. Moreover, irresponsibility, unruliness, and lack of respect for other road users cause to increase in the risk of motorcycle injuries (Naddumba, 2004). Motorcycle accident occurrence is affected or influenced by several factors including age, being male or female, education level, and maintenance of the motorcycle (Luther, 2019). Although traffic rules are enforced, Technological advancement, improvement of road infrastructure and improvement of traffic Education systems, the number of traffic deaths has not decreased significantly over the years. Further, not much extensive studies have been carried to understand the motorcycle accidents and as a result, there is a lack of overall understanding about the factors relate to motorcycle accidents and their interaction with each other. Accordingly, it is importance to acknowledge the intensifying situation involving road deaths and injuries. Therefore, this study focused on identifying the risk factors related to motorcycle accidents in Sri Lanka. This will help them vested with the mandate to overseas the nation’s transportation system as the consumers of research findings and it will immensely help to reduce the occurrence of Motorcycle accidents and contribute towards saving lives that would have otherwise been lost through this accident.