Factors Associated with Motorcycle Crashes in New South Wales, Australia, 2004 to 2008

This research aimed to identify factors associated with powered two-wheeler (PTW) crashes in New South Wales, Australia. An exploratory analysis was conducted on data from state crash, license, and vehicle registration databases for 2004 to 2008. Over the study period, PTW registrations and crashes increased (39% and 17%, respectively), but crash rates and fatality crash rates per 10,000 registered vehicles decreased (from 215.9 to 180.9 and from 5.7 to 3.7, respectively). Forty-one percent of PTW crashes were single-vehicle crashes; 49% occurred on curves, with road surface hazards contributing to 23%. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 43% of all PTW fatalities. Other vehicle drivers were deemed at fault in 62% of multivehicle crashes, including 71% at intersections. T-junctions were the site of 30% of all multivehicle crashes. Riders were most likely to be at fault in rear-end (62%) and head-on (82%) crashes. The majority of head-on crashes were not overtaking (69%), and of these 83% occurred on curves. Super sport models had the highest crash rate per 10,000 registered motorcycles (284.6). Young riders were overrepresented in crashes (9% of registrations, 28% of crashes), and unlicensed riders, in fatal crashes (7% of crashes, 26% of fatal crashes). Unlicensed riders represented 41% of casualties not wearing helmets and 26% of all riders with an illegal concentration of alcohol. Although PTW crash rates showed an encouraging decline, countermeasures were found to be needed to protect the increasing numbers of riders. The analysis recommended head-on, rear-end, and intersection crashes as specific crash risk patterns to be targeted in education and training for riders and drivers; road treatments in high-risk locations; and interventions to address high-risk unlicensed riding.