Risky beginnings: Attitudes, perceptions, and unsafe riding behaviors among novice motorcycle riders in Northern Thailand

Introduction: Thailand has the ninth-highest road fatality rate globally (32.7 deaths/100,000 population), with young adults accounting for 73% of motorcycle-related deaths. This study examines risk attitudes, perceptions, and riding behaviors among novice motorcycle riders at the University of Phayao to inform targeted interventions reducing road traffic accidents (RTAs).

Methods: A cross-sectional study (January–March 2025) surveyed 426 first-year public health undergraduates using a validated questionnaire (CVI=0.87; Cronbach’s α=0.82). Non-riders were excluded. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression were employed. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured.

Results: Participants (89.44% female; mean age=18.37±0.6 years) predominantly used motorcycles (91.78%), yet 46.24% were unlicensed. Informal training (77.46%) exceeded formal instruction (4.93%). Accident prevalence was 38.26% (3.28% hospitalized), primarily on multi-lane roads (31.92%). Key risk factors included speeding (AOR=1.65, 95% CI:1.09–2.49, p=0.017), phone use (AOR=2.40, 95% CI:1.30–4.40, p=0.005), and poor vehicle maintenance (AOR=1.66, 95% CI:1.04–2.63, p=0.033). Road law knowledge was moderate (46.48%) or low (30.52%), contrasting with predominantly good/excellent safety attitudes (79.11%) and behaviors (79.35%). Attitudes strongly correlated with safe riding (r=0.55, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Non-compliance with licensing, reliance on informal training, and risky behaviors elevate RTA risks. Policy priorities include mandating certified training, enforcing speed/phone-use laws, and upgrading high-risk infrastructure. The attitude-behavior link underscores the need for psychological interventions to reinforce safety mindsets, aligning with the UN Global Road Safety Framework (2021–2030).