Risk Factors Associated with Motorcycle Crash Severity in Kansas

The analysis of motorcycle crashes in Kansas shows that fatal motorcycle crashes consisted of 12.6% of total fatal crashes in 2008, even though all motorcycle crashes consisted of only 1.7% of total crashes. In view of these statistics, this study aimed to find out contribution of various factors on the fatal motorcycle crashes in Kansas. The logistic regression was used to identify contribution of crash characteristics, motorcycle occupants, vehicles and contributing circumstances on fatal motorcycle crashes. A contingency table analysis was also performed to examine if any relation existed between these factors and motorcycle crash severity. Results from the logistic regression revealed that aggressive motorcycle maneuver like overtaking, older aged motorcyclists, dark street light conditions, riding motorcycle during night time, complex surface characteristics, collision with other motor vehicles, animal and fixed objects, and alcohol involvement had increased the level of risk to be involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. On the other hand, defensive motorcycle maneuvers like slowing or stopping, use of helmets and eye protection had decreased the risk of involving in a fatal motorcycle crash. The contingency table analysis also showed that most of these same factors were related to motorcycle crash severity in Kansas.