Kristi Greig

Comparison of Risk Taking in Moped and Motorcycle Crashes

Risk taking in motorcycling includes deliberately not following road rules (including excessive speeding and performing stunts), unlicensed riding, riding while impaired by drugs and alcohol, and riding without a helmet. Motor scooters and mopeds, however, are less capable of extreme speeds and stunts and may therefore attract riders with safer attitudes and behaviors. Their use for commuting may also limit opportunities for risk taking. Some European studies have reported higher crash risks for mopeds and scooters than for other motorcycles, but others disagree. This study aims to examine the role of risk taking in moped crashes compared with motorcycle crashes by presenting the results of analyses of police-reported crashes in Queensland, Australia, focusing on markers for risk taking such as vehicle most at fault, alcohol involvement, excessive speed, nonuse of helmets, and unlicensed riding. Risk taking in terms of alcohol involvement and excessive speed was more common in single- than in multivehicle crashes. Alcohol involvement was associated with excessive speed, nonuse of helmets, and unlicensed riding. There were few differences in risk-taking behaviors between moped and motorcycle riders. Excessive speed was less common in moped crashes, but this finding may reflect vehicle performance limitations as much as a decision not to speed.