THE ROLE OF ALCOHOL IN NORTH CAROLINA MOTORCYCLE CRASHES

North Carolina data (1976-1977) relating to motorcycle and passenger car crashes were examined to contrast alcohol-related (A/R) motorcycle crashes with A/R passenger car crashes and other motorcycle crashes. Police reports of alcohol involvement in fatal motorcycle crashes were also compared with medical examiner determination of blood alcohol concentrations to assess reliability and completeness of data. Police estimates of drinking behavior in fatal motorcycle crashes were found to be relatively accurate, although in nearly 60% of the cases these estimates were lacking. Compared with A/R car crashes, A/R motorcycle accidents occurred more often in the summer, earlier in the evening, more often on rural roads, and at higher speeds, and more often involved side and top impacts. A/R crash-involved motorcycle operators were younger, more likely to be male, more likely to be severely injured and less likely to be charged with a violation. Compared with other motorcycle crashes, A/R motorcycle crashes occurred more frequently at night, in rural areas, and as single vehicle crashes. The A/R crash operators were much more likely to be severely or fatally injured. Recommendations include further analyses to examine interactions, incorporate exposure data, and identify needs for countermeasure development.