Characteristics of behavioral patterns of two-wheeled vehicle drivers in Armenia

TOPIC:

Global Road Safety

AUTHOR

Eleonora Sargsyants

COUNTRY:

Armenia

The rise of mopeds and e-scooters in Yerevan has led to a notable increase in traffic-related injuries involving two-wheeled motorized vehicles [1]. This study examines the behavioral patterns of these drivers to understand their adherence to traffic and safety regulations and the associated risks. Unlike previous studies in Armenia that focused on bicycles [2], this research specifically targets motorized two-wheelers, aiming to identify safety issues and their impact on road dynamics.

The study employs a quantitative observational design, analyzing data from 1,659 drivers of two-wheeled motorized vehicles at four busy intersections in Yerevan. Key behaviors assessed include helmet use, compliance with red lights, road versus sidewalk usage, instances of distracted driving, and patterns such as lane changes. These behaviors played a crucial role in identifying limitations that could be addressed in future research. The findings reveal that moped drivers generally exhibit safer behaviors compared to e-scooter drivers. Specifically, 88.01% of moped drivers wore helmets and predominantly used roads, whereas only 8% of e-scooter drivers wore helmets, with many using sidewalks. Additionally, delivery drivers across both vehicle types demonstrated better adherence to safety practices than casual drivers.

The research highlights significant safety gaps, particularly among casual drivers, and underscores the need for improved traffic regulations and infrastructure to accommodate two-wheeled motorized vehicles. These insights are intended to inform future policy changes aimed at enhancing road safety for all users in Yerevan.

iCREATE

Increasing Capacity for Injury Research in Eastern Europe

Contact

Dr. Diana Dulf
diana.dulf@ubbcluj.ro
Pandurilor 7 Street, 9th Floor, Room 910, Cluj-Napoca, Romania