Abstract

Motorcycle Crash Injuries in San Diego County
Track: Transportation
Authors: Joshua Smith

In San Diego County, traffic congestion and gas prices have contributed to increased motorcycle registration. As a result, motorcycle crash injuries are expected to increase. This study used ArcGIS 10.0 to identify areas at the subregional (SRA), jurisdictional, and road/interstate levels exhibiting higher rates of motorcycle crash injuries. Geographical data, including crash location (every motorcycle crash in San Diego County was mapped), road-type, and other variables were taken from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). Population-level data were obtained from the U.S. Census and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). Correlates of motorcycle crash injuries, including crash location, time (proxy for available light, alcohol involvement, etc.), month (weather conditions, etc.), road-type, population density (SRA), median income (SRA), and other factors were examined. Variables associated with motorcycle crash injuries were included in multivariate analyses to evaluate a more complete picture of motorcycle crash injuries in San Diego County.