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 (2015-2019) 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 (manner of collision), at-fault driver characteristics (age and speeding), roadway characteristics (area type), and environmental characteristics (nighttime) 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 to 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, presence of horizontal curves, and very young at-fault drivers increased by 67%, 64%, and 48%, respectively post-pandemic. Based on the study findings, removal of distraction-related road elements (e.g., digital billboards) at high motorcycle crash risk locations, ensuring installations of rumble strips on edge line and centerline, and strengthening traffic enforcement using high visibility enforcement (HVE) can help reduce the frequency and severity of distraction-related motorcycle crashes on Kentucky roads.