Investigating the Determinants of Helmet Use Among Motorcyclists: A Logistic Regression Analysis

Although motorcycles provide less safety for their users, their use has been widespread, especially in developing countries, due to fundamental advantages such as lower ownership and operating costs compared to cars. However, motorcycle accidents account for a high share of deaths and injuries in urban traffic accidents. Studies show that the use of standard helmets is the most effective way to reduce these injuries. However, the main challenge for policymakers in the areas of health and traffic is the low willingness of motorcyclists to wear helmets. Accordingly, in the present study, by using questionnaires completed by Yazd motorcyclists and using the dual logistic regression method, the factors affecting the use or non-use of helmets were examined and the intensity of their effect was measured. After confirming the validity and reliability, the questionnaires were designed and categorized based on 10 factors. The findings showed that in general, three groups of factors, including motorcyclist attitudes, helmet characteristics, and the level of enforcement of traffic laws, play a role in the decision to use helmets. In particular, "low awareness of the laws" had the greatest deterrent role. After that, "physical problems with helmets", "dissatisfaction due to heat" and "weakness in law enforcement by the police" are in the next ranks. Also, factors such as "misperception about the low probability of an accident", "misbelief about the effectiveness of helmets", "high cost of helmets" and "fear of social judgment" also had a significant negative effect on helmet use, although with less intensity.