Analyzing the influence of age groups of motorcycle riders on traffic violations and accidents in small city using a structural equation model

Abstract

Over the last three years, there has been a tremendous increase in the amount of road accidents in Mataram City-Lombok with majority of the victims being motorcycle riders between the ages of 16-40 years. The age difference may have an impact on the rider’s behavior which in turn leads to road accidents. This study aims at investigating the influence of age groups on motorcycle riders resulting to traffic violations and road accidents in Mataram City. Data was collected using questionnaire survey for which 600 respondents participated covering 6 sub-districts in Mataram City. A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS V.22.0 was constructed to analyze the motorcycle rider behavior. The developed model was made up of behavioral, violation and accident latent variables, with four variables of behavior, three variables of violation, and two observed variables of accident. Three age groups were used in this study with three categories consists of 15-24 years, 25-44 years, and 45-64 years old. This study found that these riders behaviors varied significantly with regards to traffic violations. The age groups of riders between 15-24 years and 45-64 years has a 65% influence on traffic violation compared to those between the ages of 25-44 years. Traffic violations with regards to road accidents was however, found to be less significant for all age group. Traffic violations committed by riders between ages of 45-64 years were found to be 14% less than those between the ages of 15-44 years. The analysis obtained from the data indicates that there are differences among the three listed age groups.