Influence of demographics on risky driving behaviour among powered two wheeler riders in Kerala, India

This study is designed to explore the statistical significance of the demographic variables with respect to six risky driving behaviour variables, i.e., drunken drive (DD), helmet usage (HU), cell phone usage (CU), family involvement (FI), commitment to safety (CS) and negligence of vehicle examination (NE), which influence risky driving behaviour of Powered Two Wheeler (PTW) riders. A questionnaire survey is conducted among the PTW riders from all districts of Kerala State. The results show that, male riders are significantly more involved in drunken driving and cell phone usage, while female riders are significantly more inclined to helmet usage and family involvement. The age of the rider shows significant difference on cell phone usage. The educational level of the rider exhibit significant difference on all six variables. The riders educated up to degree and above degree level are found to be more inclined to helmet usage, while drunken driving, cell phone usage and negligence of vehicle examination are found appreciably low among them compared to riders educated up to Grade 10 and Grade 12. Results of this study can be used to conduct appraisal and counselling programme about the unsafe and risky driving acts, resulting from drunken drive, helmet non usage, cell phone usage while driving and negligence of PTW examination among the male and young riders educated up to 12 Grade.