Sunu Bagaskara Universitas YARSI Gender Differences in Risky Riding Behavior: An Exploration Study of Motorcyclists in Jabodetabek Sunu Bagaskara Universitas YARSI

Introduction In Indonesia, 25,858 people were killed and more than 123,000 injured in road traffic accidents in 2016 (Korlantas, 2017) In Jakarta alone, traffic accidents killed 678 people 61% due to human error (Kemenhub, 2017) Finding means to reduce the number of accidents would be of great benefit for the society at large The present study investigates how gender is related to risky riding in a sample of motorcyclists in Greater Jakarta area

Introduction Research has consistently found the association between gender and risk behavior, i.e., males are more willing to take risks than females From evolutionary perspective it has been argued that it is necessary for males to take risks and that this tendency has become an adaptation strategy (Buss, 2004) In terms of risk behavior in road traffic, gender differences have been reported by numerous researchers Turner & McClure (2003) found that males were twice as likely to have reported at least one crash as a driver compared to females and nearly three times as likely to have reported two or more crashes

Introduction Males tend to: perceive traffic violations as less dangerous (Yagil, 1998) show greater positive affect for risky driving behavior (Rhodes & Pivik, 2011) perceive that they have greater driving skill in risky situations (DeJoy, 1992; Farrow & Brissing, 1990) engage in unsafe driving behaviors, such as drinking and driving, and speeding (Harré, Field, & Kirkwood, 1996; Oltedal & Rundmo, 2006) engage in aggressive driving and commit more violations (Blockley & Hartley, 1995; Jonah, 1990)

Introduction Females tend to: express a higher motivation to comply with traffic rules (Yagil, 1998) to be less optimistic when making comparisons about their driving skills to the average motorist (deJoy, 1992) perceive risky driving behaviors as generally more serious and more likely to results in accidents (deJoy, 1992; Rhodes & Pivik, 2011) make more errors with control aspects when taking a driving test (Forsyth, 1993)

Introduction Most previous research were conducted in Western, developed countries Indonesia is a more motorcycle-centric country (98.8 millions units or 81.5% of registered vehicles) Study focusing on motorcyclists is scarce

Method Participants 212 males (mean age=23,0, S.D.=5.90) and 141 females (mean age=23,2, S.D.=6.14) Riding experience: males M=8.05 years, S.D.=5.12; females=7.26 years, S.D=6.17, t=1.303, df=352, p=.193

Method Measures: Demographic questionnaire: age, gender, experience, driving license Risky driving behavior scale (Rhodes & Pivik, 2011), 17 items, 5-point scale (1=never, 5=almost always); a=.90 Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (Hoyle et al., 2002), 7 items, 5-point scale (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree); a=.70

Method Procedure: Questionnaires were distributed by research assistants using convenience sampling via an online questionnaire platform Friends, family and colleagues of the researchers were approached, informed about the research and asked to participate No personal details were collected which could allow the identification of the participant Respondents were told that the study aimed to explore the relationship between riding experience and riding behavior They were all assured that the results would only be used for scientific purposes and that all information provided was completely confidential and anonymous Participants were not given any monetary compensation whatsoever

Results Correlation matrix 1 2 3 4 5 Experience - .155* -.044 .655** -.069 SS -.029 .180** .070 RDB -.203** -.261** Age .023 Gender Note. * p<.01, ** p<.001, SS=Sensation Seeking; RDB=Risky Driving Behavior; Gender=1 (male) & 2 (females)

Results Male motorcyclists reported higher frequency of risky riding behavior (M=38.2, S.D=10.38) compared to female motorcyclists (M=32.9, S.D=8.43), t=5.039, df=352, p<.001 A One-way ANCOVA was conducted to determine a statistically significant difference between males and females on the risky riding behavior mean score controlling for age There’s a significant effect of gender on risky riding behavior after controlling for age, F(1, 350)=15.1, p<.001

Results Risky riding behaviors Mean t p Male (SD) Female (SD) Switching lanes frequently 3.22 (.92) 2.82 (.92) 4.015 <.001 Exceeding speed limit 2.51 (1.00) 1.87 (.88) 6.173 Riding fast on curves 2.06 (.96) 1.68 (.82) 3.919 Riding after drinking 1.34 (.71) 1.10 (.43) 3.600 Riding through a red light 2.11 (.93) 1.89 (.92) 2.132 <.005 Braking hard to stop in time 2.22 (.99) 1.87 (.82) 3.467

Results Risky riding behaviors Mean t p Male (SD) Female (SD) Racing with other vehicles 2.50 (1.07) 1.95 (1.00) 4.906 <.001 Overtaking other vehicle on curves 2.14 (1.03) 1.63 (.90) 4,784 Turning or switching lane without giving a sign 2.07 (.92) 1.69 (.83) 3.962 Not reducing speed on curves 1.99 (.94) 1.48 (.65) 5.588 Not keeping safe distance with other vehicle 2.14 (.94) 1.76 (.79) 3.940

Results Risky riding behaviors Mean t p Male (SD) Female (SD) Performing fast acceleration and braking 2.32 (.92) 2.17 (.82) 4.015 .111 Riding while fatigue/sleepy 2.25 (1.03) 2.18 (.96) .752 .469 Doing things that can distract you while riding 2.35 (1.06) 2.13 (1.00) 1.960 .051 Getting distracted by passengers activities 2.65 (1.04) 2.61 (.96) .372 .710 Riding against the traffic direction 2.00 (.90) 1.89 (.86) 1.050 .294 Not wearing helmet 2.34 (1.05) 2.23 (.96) 1.039 .300

Discussion Male motorcyclists take more risks in riding, even after controlling for age Consistent with previous research SS is not correlated with RDB

Limitations Self-report method Online-offline questionnaire cross validation