Improving Motorcycle Safety in Sri Lanka: Behavioural Insights for Enhanced Rider Training and Licensing

Abstract

In Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) such as Sri Lanka, motorcycles serve as a vital mode of quick and economical transportation. Crash data from Sri Lanka reveal that motorcycle-related incidents account for an average of 29.2% of all vehicle crashes, the highest among all categories. Despite widespread use, the anticipated reductions in crashes have not been achieved, and road deaths continue to rise. Driver behavior has been identified as a major contributing factor in motorcycle crashes, yet previous strategies have not fully addressed the specific behavioral improvements needed. To better understand these factors, a video-based observational survey was conducted to assess rider behavior in real-world conditions. The questions were developed to address various factors contributing to motorcycle and pedestrian crashes, including rider/pedestrian behavior, road conditions, and human-related pre-crash factors identified through crash data analysis and prior studies. Crash patterns across locations such as pedestrian crossings, intersections, and roundabouts were also examined. More than 50% of respondents answered incorrectly to questions about pedestrian crossings and right-of-way at vehicle entry points, while fewer than 20% answered correctly to intersection-related questions. Even riders with 8-10 years of experience achieved only about 70% accuracy. These findings underscore the need for enhanced road-safety education and improved driver-licensing assessments.