Identification of factors related to motorcycle fatal injuries in Ohio

Ohio crash data for 2003-2007 were used to investigate the odds of a motorcyclist being fatally injured in a crash and the risk factors involved. The results show that risk factors for fatal crashes significantly increase when the following circumstances apply: the motorcyclist is less than 25 years of age, being the motorcycle rider, use of excessive speeding, use of alcohol and/or drugs, riding without helmet, being involved in a single-vehicle crash at a non-intersection location, crashing on horizontal curves, on graded segments, and on major roadways. The combination of risk factors, such as nighttime riding at horizontal curves, excessive speeding on major roads, traveling at excessive speed while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and younger riders negotiating horizontal curves, greatly increases the likelihood of fatal injury crashes. In order to reduce the number of fatal crashes this study indicates that the dangers of excessive speed and operating a motorcycle while intoxicated must be fully stressed to the public. The enactment of an Ohio universal helmet law is particularly recommended