Identifying and prioritizing risk factors involved in motorcyclists' traffic accidents in Tehran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups compared to other road users. Motorcycle road safety can be assured by identifying risk factors, using safety equipment, and improving roads for traveling. This study sought to identify and prioritize the risk factors involved in motorcyclists' traffic accidents in Tehran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, the fuzzy TOPSIS method was used to develop a systematic process to achieve an optimal model through the selected criteria. To find significant risk factors in the model, the interviewed experts first selected the target criteria from an available long list of functional criteria. Then, using the SMART method, the key criteria in motorcyclists' traffic accidents were determined, and they were ranked according to their weights and weighting ratios. Results: Fifty people, including 42 (84%) males and 8 (16%) females, participated in the study. The mean and standard deviation scores of participants' age were 44.18 and 7.03 years, respectively. Based on the fuzzy analysis, alcohol intake, cell phone use, breaching the speed limit, failure to use safety equipment, and driver's age, among other criteria, were ranked first to fifth. Conclusion: This study showed that the most important risk factors associated with motorcyclists' traffic accidents were the human ones. Given that various studies in Iran have shown that human factors are the leading causes of traffic accidents, policymakers and administrators need to take the necessary measures to manage and control them.