Characteristics of Motorcycle Traffic Accidents in Japan

This study analyzes the causes of motorcycle traffic accidents in detail, focusing on crossing collisions and right-turn & straight-travel collisions involving motorcycles, in particular, which are the major causes of casualties. Data from Japanese traffic accident statistics and from area-specific traffic accident surveys was used to assess accidents involving motorcycles in relation to all traffic accidents, and to understand the unique characteristics of traffic accidents involving motorcycles, which have different driving patterns depending on the displacement category. This study found that the primary cause of traffic accidents is human error; that is, in the real world, the drivers commit errors in recognition and judgment of other vehicles, resulting in accidents. In particular, traffic accidents occur because drivers of four-wheeled vehicles make recognition errors about approaching motorcycles, such as “I thought there were no vehicles coming from the intersecting street” and “I couldn't see the vehicle coming from the intersecting street,” or incorrectly judge the speed and distance of the motorcycles.