Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Delivery and Private Riders’ Safety in Marrakech

This study examines the safety behaviors of delivery and private motorcycle riders in Marrakech, Morocco, with a particular focus on mobile phone distractions. Data were collected over a two-week period at five key intersections, recording 5731 riders during peak traffic hours. Trained observers captured rider characteristics, traffic context, and unsafe behaviors at different times of day morning, noon, and evening to account for variations in traffic conditions. Decision tree analysis was used to explore the relationships between rider type, road conditions, time of day, gender, and mobile phone usage while riding. The findings revealed that private riders were more likely to use mobile phones while riding compared to delivery riders. Unsafe behaviors were influenced by environmental factors, rider demographics, and the timing of the behaviors. Significant differences in behavior were observed between private and delivery riders, with gender also playing a role in safety practices. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions, including educational campaigns to address mobile phone and policies designed for specific rider groups.