Statistical modeling of motorcycle safety at signalized intersections

Abstract

Motorcycles are overrepresented in road traffic crashes and particularly vulnerable at signalized intersections. The objective of this study is to develop an in-depth understanding of hazards of motorcycles at signalized intersections so that targeted countermeasures can be developed. In order to achieve this, innovative statistical models have been established to analyze motorcycle crashes with detailed investigations of specific maneuver behavior of motorcycles at intersections. Results indicate that motorcyclists are over exposed at signalized intersections and the excess exposure is one of main contributors to their vulnerability at intersections. The presence of red light cameras at intersections not only lower motorcycle crashes due to reduced red-light running in the conflicting stream but also decrease their exposure and hence crashes due to a more restrained discharge pattern of motorcycles. Targeted countermeasures should include deployment of red-light cameras, improvement in motorcyclist visibility and increased awareness on motorcyclist vulnerability.