Evaluation of postural, psychosocial stress and driver behaviour of motorbike riders in India

BACKGROUND: Motorbikes are a cost effective and fuel efficient mode of transport but at the same time they account for huge number of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). Bike riders are exposed to postural, psychosocial stress which may lead to accidents. OBJECTIVES: Objectives of the study are to: (1) quantify postural and psychosocial stress which may be contributory factors to accident and injury; (2) record the magnitude of aggression, sensation level and risky behaviour to employ behaviour based safety (BBS). METHODS: Healthy male motor bike riders (n = 150) were randomly taken to identify consumer purchase behaviour, assess postural stress, perceived pain and exertion. Perception of riders with respect to their safety was recorded. Magnitude of aggression, sensation and risky behaviour were also recorded among bike riders (n = 35). RESULTS: Result showed drivers experienced pain in low back (84%), thigh (82.67%), hand (81.33%), neck (68.67%) and shoulder (63.33%). Riders (62.67%) perceived the exertion as ‘hard and heavy’, 24.67% as ‘very hard’ and 12.67% as ‘somewhat hard’. Majority of the riders preferred looks and style, neglecting physiological comfort and safety. Magnitude of aggression, sensation and risky behaviour among bike riders were notably high. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification of these stressors is essential to implement engineering revision and behaviour based safety.