Violations among young moped riders

Abstract (2022)

Authors

Mette Møller Technical University of Denmark
Marjan Hagenzieker Transport and Planning - CEG
Research Group
Transport and Planning (CEG) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Transport and Planning

Research Group

Transport and Planning

Abstract

Background

The risk of being seriously injured or killed is higher for moped riders compared to drivers of other motor vehicles. Existing knowledge indicate that traffic violations are of key importance in young moped riders crash involvement. Within the frame of the Theory of Planned Behavior the purpose of this study was to identify beliefs underlying engagement in violations among adolescent moped riders.

Method

Data was collected by means of focus group interviews. 35 moped riders aged 15-17 participated. In total four focus groups were conducted. A moderator facilitated the focus group interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Inspired by the procedure for belief elicitation studies the interview guide included key words to ensure elicitation of the behavioural beliefs underlying engagement in traffic violations (advantages/disadvantages), normative beliefs (persons approving/disapproving engagement in violations) and control beliefs (barriers/facilitators). The interviews were transcribed and the analysis was supported by coding in Atlas.ti.8.

Results

Five categories of violations were identified (illegal maneuvers, impaired riding, wrong location, lack of vehicle maintenance, non-use of mandatory safety equipment). With regard to the underlying behavioural beliefs a distinction between direct advantages (e.g. saving time, fun, convenience) and indirect advantages (e.g. avoid maintenance costs, avoid involving parents) was relevant. The disadvantages mainly included being apprehended by the police or being injured. Regarding the normative beliefs results revealed that engagement in violations was widely approved by friends as well as parents. Disapproval of violations was mainly believed to occur among persons disapproving moped riding. In relation to control beliefs police control was believed to be the key barrier. A strong belief in own ability to keep control of the moped despite engagement in violations was the key facilitator.

Conclusion

Engagement in violations among young moped riders provides several advantages and only few disadvantages. Violations are supported by friends and parents. Police control is a barrier for engagement in violations but compensated by a strong believe in own ability to handle the moped safely despite engagement in violations.