Journal of Transportation Research

Journal of Transportation Research

Measuring the Relative Importance of Factors Influencing Helmet Use (Case Study: Yazd City)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seyed Abouzar Hoseini Aghda 1
Hamed Khani Sanij 2
Mojtaba Rajabi-Bahaabadi, 3
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
10.22034/tri.2025.498469.3312
Abstract
The use of motorcycles as a common mode of transportation is prevalent in some developing countries, including Iran. This trend is particularly driven by advantages such as lower ownership costs compared to cars and the increasing availability of motorcycle delivery services in major cities. However, motorcycle accidents can result in fatalities and serious injuries. Research indicates that the most effective way to protect motorcycle riders is through the use of standard helmets. The lack of helmet use is recognized as a significant challenge in the realms of health and transportation. This study delves into the existing literature and incorporates expert opinions to compile a list of the most critical factors influencing the use of helmets. Subsequently, the factors affecting helmet use are ranked using the best-worst method. The findings revealed that socio-economic variables, such as age, significantly influence the relative importance of each factor. Heat was identified as the most significant factor, while embarrassment was deemed the least important. Additionally, a clear lack of enforcement of laws by the police, leading to non-compliance among motorcyclists, was observed. Finally, based on the obtained results, strategies and recommendations are proposed to encourage the use of safety helmets.
Keywords
Best-Worst Method
Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Helmet
Accidents
Subjects
-سیدابریشمی، سید احسان، قوچانیان حقوردی، مهدی، میرزا بروجردیان، امین میرزا و فلاح زواره، محسن (1393). تحلیل و مدلسازی عوامل مؤثر بر استفاده موتورسواران از کلاه ایمنی، مطالعه موردی: شهر مشهد. فصلنامه مهندسی حمل و نقل، 6(2)، 302-289.
-Aghamolaei, T., Tavafian, S. S., & Madani, A. (2011). Prediction of helmet use among Iranian motorcycle drivers: an application of the health belief model and the theory of planned behavior. Traffic Injury Prevention, 12(3), 239-243.
-Ambak, K., Hashim, H., Yusoff, I., & David, B. (2010). An Evaluation on the compliance to safety helmet usage among motorcyclists in Batu Pahat, Johor. International Journal of Integrated Engineering, 2(2).
-Arosanyin, G. T., Olowosulu, A. T., & Oyeyemi, G. M. (2013). An examination of some safety issues among commercial motorcyclists in Nigeria: a case study. International journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 20(2), 103-110.
-Cropper, M. L., & Kopits, E. (2003). Traffic fatalities and economic growth. World Bank.
-Gkritza, K. (2009). Modeling motorcycle helmet use in Iowa: evidence from six roadside observational surveys. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 41(3), 479-484.
-Hung, D. V., Stevenson, M. R., & Ivers, R. Q. (2008). Barriers to, and factors associated, with observed motorcycle helmet use in Vietnam. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 40(4), 1627-1633.
-Keng, S.-H. (2005). Helmet use and motorcycle fatalities in Taiwan. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 37(2), 349-355.
-Kulanthayan, S., Radin Umar, R. S., Ahmad Hariza, H., & Mohd Nasir, M. (2001). Modeling of compliance behavior of motorcyclists to proper usage of safety helmets in Malaysia. Traffic Injury Prevention, 2(3), 239-246.
-Li, L.-P., Li, G.-L., Cai, Q.-E., Zhang, A. L., & Lo, S. K. (2008). Improper motorcycle helmet use in provincial areas of a developing country. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 40(6), 1937-1942.
-Liang, F., Brunelli, M., & Rezaei, J. (2020). Consistency issues in the best worst method: Measurements and thresholds. Omega, 96, 102175.
-Maghsoudi, A., Boostani, D., & Rafeiee, M. (2018). Investigation of the reasons for not using helmet among motorcyclists in Kerman, Iran. International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, 25(1), 58-64.
-Mehri, A., Mazloomy Mahmoodabad Seyed, S., Morowatisharifabad Mohammad, A., & Nadrian, H. (2011). Determinants of helmet use behaviour among employed motorcycle riders in Yazd, Iran based on theory of planned behaviour. Injury, 42(9), 864-869.
-Musso, A., Vuchic, V. R., & Bruun ECh, C. M. (2010). A research agenda for public policy towards motorized two-wheelers in urban transport. Transportation Research Board 89th Annual Meeting.
-Orsi, C., Stendardo, A., Marinoni, A., Gilchrist, M. D., Otte, D., Chliaoutakis, J., Tzamalouka, G. (2012). Motorcycle riders’ perception of helmet use: Complaints and dissatisfaction. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 44(1), 111-117.
-Papadakaki, M., Tzamalouka, G., Orsi, C., Kritikos, A., Morandi, A., Gnardellis, C., & Chliaoutakis, J. (2013). Barriers and facilitators of helmet use in a Greek sample of motorcycle riders: which evidence? Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 18, 189-198.
-Pham, K. H., Le Thi, Q. X., Petrie, D. J., Adams, J., & Doran, C. M. (2008). Households’ willingness to pay for a motorcycle helmet in Hanoi, Vietnam. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, 6, 137-144.
-Ranney, M. L., Mello, M. J., Baird, J. B., Chai, P. R., & Clark, M. A. (2010). Correlates of motorcycle helmet use among recent graduates of a motorcycle training course. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 42(6), 2057-2062.
-Rezaei, J. (2015). Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method. Omega, 53, 49-57.
-Rezaei, J. (2016). Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method: Some properties and a linear model. Omega, 64, 126-130.
-Savolainen, P., & Mannering, F. (2007). Probabilistic models of motorcyclists’ injury severities in single-and multi-vehicle crashes. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 39(5), 955-963.
-Servadei, F., Begliomini, C., Gardini, E., Giustini, M., Taggi, F., & Kraus, J. (2003). Effect of Italy’s motorcycle helmet law on traumatic brain injuries. Injury Prevention, 9(3), 257-260.
-Skalkidou, A., Petridou, E., Papadopoulos, F. C., Dessypris, N., & Trichopoulos, D. (1999). Factors affecting motorcycle helmet use in the population of Greater Athens, Greece. Injury Prevention, 5(4), 264-267.
-Soori, H., Royanian, M., Zali, A., & Movahedinejad, A. (2009). Road traffic injuries in Iran: the role of interventions implemented by traffic police. Traffic Injury Prevention, 10(4), 375-378.
-Tuan, V. A. (2012). Long-term motorcycle traffic management: comparative analysis of motorcycle and car ownership trends, modal split changes, and cross-mode performances in Asia.
-Yannis, G., Laiou, A., Vardaki, S., Papadimitriou, E., Dragomanovits, A., & Kanellaidis, G. (2012). A statistical analysis of motorcycle helmet wearing in Greece. Advances in Transportation Studies, 27(1), 69-82.
-Zamani-Alavijeh, F., Bazargan, M., Shafiei, A., & Bazargan-Hejazi, S. (2011). The frequency and predictors of helmet use among Iranian motorcyclists: A quantitative and qualitative study. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 43(4), 1562-1569.