236116 What Do We Know About Motorcycle and Scooter Riders in Georgia?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 9:10 AM

Carol Cotton, PhD, MEd , College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, Traffic Safety Research and Evaluation Group, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Laurel Loftin, BSFCS , Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, Traffic Safety Research and Evaluation Group, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Christina Proctor, MPH , Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, Project Merits III, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
James Barlament, MA , Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, Traffic Safety Research and Evaluation Group, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Jeffrey Porter , Health Promotion and Behavior, University og Georgia, Athens, GA
Courtnee Edgerston, BA , Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, Traffic Safety Research and Evaluation Group, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
  
Background/Purpose: Georgia saw the number of motorcycle fatalities steadily increase from 2002 to 2008. Motorcycle fatalities decreased across the nation in 2009, with Georgia's fatalities decreasing by 22%. A survey of Georgia's two-wheeled motor vehicle (TWMV) dealerships was conducted to determine factors contributing to this decline.

Methods: Car Dealerships were contacted by phone to determine qualification and seek participation in the study. The number of employees at each dealership was estimated and the corresponding number of surveys was mailed to each location. Survey results were entered into a database for analysis.

Results/Outcomes: Dealerships were identified (n=375) and 30% qualified to participate in study (n=114). Surveys were returned from 42% of dealerships. Dealerships cited primary reasons customers purchase motorcycles: 1) love of motorcycles (39%), 2) fuel efficiency (18%), and 3) recreation (17%). 60% of participants suggested sales of motorcycles in 2009 decreased from 2008. Responses indicated men are more likely to purchase motorcycles (84%), while scooter (54%) and moped (49%) purchases are reported to be “about the same” between genders.

Conclusions: The purchases of large TWMV decreased from 2008 to 2009, decreasing the number of new riders on the roads and potentially effecting fatality rates. Dealerships suggest TWMV riders choose to ride for their love of motorcycles, recreational purposes, and fuel efficiency benefits. Economic factors may have influenced the number of recreational riders on the road, thus reducing the amount of potential riders who may be involved in a fatal motorcycle crash.

Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Identify factors which contributed to a decline in motorcycle fatality rates in Georgia. 2. Describe two-wheeled motor vehicle dealerships’ knowledge of the motorcycle licensing and training process, endorsement of protective equipment, and opinions regarding rider safety.

Keywords: Motor Vehicles, Injury Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal investigator on this research and my responsibility is to design, implement and evaluate this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Transportation-related injury 1
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