Practical safety countermeasures for small-displacement motorcycle users in Vietnam: Findings from a focus group and in-depth interview study

Along with the sharp increase in motorcycles over the past two decades, traffic crashes with small-displacement motorcycles have become a significant health concern in Vietnam. This study aimed to define practical safety countermeasures for enhancing road traffic safety for motorcycle users (both motorcycle riders and pillion passengers) in Vietnam. To that purpose, a qualitative study design was implemented, including a series of focus group discussions and in-depth interviews based on a semi-structured format with stakeholders involved in motorcyclist safety. The participants of the focus group discussions include motorcycle riders, automobile drivers, bicycle/e-bike riders, motorcycle trainers, and policymakers to define countermeasures to enhance traffic safety for motorcycle riders from the viewpoints of different road user groups and the local authorities. Besides, in-depth interviews were conducted with traffic police officers to define the essential and urgent solutions for reducing traffic crashes related to motorcyclists. The solutions for the leading risky behaviors of motorcyclists include tactical and operational strategies for motorcycle riders. Countermeasures for regulators and authorities to reduce the leading risky behaviors include engineering interventions, enforcement solutions, and education and training countermeasures. Strategies to avoid collisions when motorcyclists ride in pairs or groups include strategies for attitude change of motorcycle riders when riding, the behaviors motorcyclists should have when riding in pairs or in groups, and the appropriate riding skills for motorcyclists while riding in pairs or groups. Innovative strategies for enhancing motorcycle rider safety include strategies for motorcycle users and strategies for regulators and authorities. Providing hazard avoidance training for motorcyclists is the most significant and urgent solution that participants suggested for Vietnamese regulators and authorities in enhancing motorcycle users’ safety. These findings imply that the riding training programs for motorcycle riders need to be adjusted and updated by traffic safety authorities, primarily focusing on hazard avoidance training to improve traffic safety for road users in general and motorcycle riders in particular. • Focus groups and interviews revealed nuanced experiences of motorcycle safety in Vietnam. • Drink-riding, speeding, and inattentive riding are top causes of motorcycle crashes. • ‘Giving way’ and ‘reducing speed’ were identified as key countermeasures to mitigate risky behaviors. • Riding in pairs/groups requires speed limit adherence, safe distances, and following the lead rider. • Innovative monitoring, sanctions, and hazard-avoidance training were recommended for local governments.