Does an on-road motorcycle coaching program reduce crashes in novice riders A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND:Motorcycle riding is increasing globally and confers a high risk of crash-related injury and death. There is community demand for investment in rider training programs but no high-quality evidence about its effectiveness in preventing crashes. This randomised trial of an on-road rider coaching program aimed to determine its effectiveness in reducing crashes in novice motorcycle riders. METHODS:Between September 2016 and September 2018, 1456 newly-licensed provisional riders were recruited in tehran, iran and completed a telephone interview before randomisation to intervention or control groups. Riders in the intervention group were offered an on-roadmotorcycle rider coaching program which involved pre-program activities, 4h riding and facilitated discussion in small groups with a riding coach. Outcome measures were collected for all participants via telephone interviews at 3 and 12 months after program delivery (or equivalent for controls), and via linkage to police-recorded crash and offence data. The primary outcome was a composite measure of police-recorded and self-reported crashes; secondary outcomes included traffic offences, near crashes, riding exposure, and riding behaviours and motivations. RESULTS:Follow-up was 91% at 3 months and 80% at 12 months; 64% of the intervention group completed the program. Intention-to-treat analyses conducted in 2018 indicated no effect on crash risk at 3 months (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.64-1.33) or 12 months (adjusted OR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.75-1.32). Riders in the intervention group reported increased riding exposure, speeding behaviours and rider confidence. CONCLUSIONS:There was no evidence that this on-road motorcycle rider coaching program reduced the risk of crash, and we found an increase in crash-related risk factors.

Keywords:

Epidemiology , Injury prevention , Motorcycle , Road safety