Wrong way driving intention and behavior of young motorcycle riders

Abstract

Traffic violations by young motorcycle riders are a major safety problem in motorcycle-dominated countries. This study investigated the factors and control beliefs affecting young motorcycle riders’ wrong way driving (WWD) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework. The control factors underlying the driver’s WWD were elicited again. Young motorcycle riders (average age, 22 years; N = 234) completed a TPB questionnaire measuring direct and belief-based measurement items. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed good fits to the observed data and provided qualified support for the utility of TPB and motorcycle riders’ sex in explaining WWD behavior. The findings reveal that subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control influence WWD intention among young motorcycle riders. Intention and perceived behavioral control influence WWD behavior. Belief about facilitating circumstances (e.g., riding on the road with a far U-turn opening and riding at night) affects the perceived behavior control. Engineering and enforcement countermeasures (e.g., counterflow lane and automated WWD detection camera) aim to reduce exposure to facilitating circumstances that can decrease the WWD intention and behavior of young motorcycle riders.