COVID-19 Pandemic and Distraction-Related Motorcycle Crashes in Kentucky

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on distraction-related motorcycle crashes in Kentucky while comparing pre-pandemic (2015−2022) and post-pandemic (2020−2022) periods. Recent eight years (2015 through 2022) of distraction-related motorcycle crash records and associated roadway information were retrieved from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Statistical tests including the chi-square test of independence, Z-test of proportions, and odds ratio (OR) were used to identify the factors affecting the severity of distraction-related motorcycle crashes pre- and post-pandemic. The chi-square test indicated that crash characteristics (e.g., manner of collision and speeding-related), at-fault driver characteristics (driver age and DUI), roadway characteristics (area type, crash location, road functional class, presence of horizontal curve, and vertical gradient), and environmental characteristics (weather and lighting conditions) were significantly associated with the severity of distraction-related motorcycle crashes pre- and post-pandemic. In addition, the presence of horizontal curve significantly affected the severity of distraction-related motorcycle crashes post-pandemic. Results from the Z-test comparing the proportions of severe crashes pre- and post-pandemic revealed that the percentage of severe distraction-related motorcycle crashes significantly increased post-pandemic. Furthermore, the proportion of severe distraction-related motorcycle crashes for very young at-fault drivers (16−20 years old), presence of horizontal curves, speeding, clear/cloudy weather, and at intersections significantly increased post-pandemic. The OR results revealed that the odds of severe distraction-related motorcycle crashes involving speeding, with presence of horizontal curves, and for very young drivers increased by 67%, 64%, and 48%, respectively, post-pandemic. Based on the study findings, removal of distraction-related road elements (e.g., billboards) at high motorcycle crash risk locations, and ensuring installations of rumble strips on edge line, could help reduce the severity of distraction-related motorcycle crashes on Kentucky roads.