Key Components of A Motorcyclist Safety – Case Study Slovenia

Powered two-wheelers (PTWs) is a term used in the motorcycle industry that includes motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. PTWs are an economical means of transport that offer increased mobility in case of traffic jams, which is very popular in urban transport. In addition, riding a motorized two-wheeler offers a special feeling that is attractive to many riders. However, PTWs can also be considered as a vulnerable group of road users.

In last few years the total number of traffic accidents in Slovenia has decreased whilst the number of accidents involving powered two-wheelers (PTWs) has increased. In 2017, 104 people died in road accidents in Slovenia, the lowest number recorded in the last 60 years. In contrast, during the same year there was a noticeable increase in the number of PTW rider fatalities. By the end of 2017, there were 29 fatalities among PTW riders, which, in comparison to the previous year (2016, 24 fatalities), represents an increase of 21%. In 2017, the proportion of PTW fatalities was 24% out of all road accident fatalities, which is the worst Figure since records began in Slovenia. In addition, the proportion of PTW riders who were seriously injured or killed in comparison to the overall number that were seriously injured or killed in all traffic accidents was significantly higher than the proportion of PTW riders in the traffic structure.

Due to all of the above-mentioned data, it is clear that there is a significant interest in Slovenia in understanding the relations between motorcyclists and road infrastructure, to find some new approaches to design, equipping and maintaining roads.

In this paper an eye-tracking research is also presented, which was carried out with motorcyclists and personal car drivers. We applied a method based on visual analysis to study the gaze behavior of motorcyclists’ and personal car drivers. This method allows us to explore patterns and extract common eye movement strategies.

Consequently, we suggest some new measures for upgrading the level of motorcyclists’ traffic safety.

Keywords: Powered two-wheelers; Safety; Infrastructure; Measures; Eye-tracking