AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS AT BARANGAY RIVERSIDE, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Motorcycle accidents pose a major public safety concern in urban areas of the Philippines, including Barangay Riverside, Quezon City. With a growing number of motorcycle users, injury and fatality rates have risen. This study assesses the causes, effects, and contributing factors of motorcycle accidents by gathering perspectives from riders and traffic enforcers. The goal is to inform strategies that enhance road safety, improve infrastructure, and promote responsible riding behaviors. A descriptive research design is employed, incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Stratified random sampling selects fifty participants: forty motorcycle riders and ten traffic enforcers. A structured questionnaire, validated and pretested for clarity, measures agreement with potential accident causes and effects using a four‑point Likert scale. Data analysis involves frequency distributions, percentage calculations, and weighted means to determine the most critical factors. Respondents strongly agreed that lack of protective gear (WM = 3.60), speeding (WM = 3.45), rider fatigue (WM = 3.30), and poor road conditions (WM = 3.25) contributed to motorcycle accidents. A majority acknowledged that riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs increased liability. Critical driver behaviors included overspeeding and fatigue, while rainy nights, delayed emergency responses, and inadequate infrastructure emerged as significant challenges. Recommended interventions included improved road markings and signage, enhanced street lighting, stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, and comprehensive rider safety education programs. The study indicated that motorcycle accidents in Barangay Riverside resulted from a combination of environmental, human, and infrastructural factors. As a result, a coordinated response involving riders, traffic enforcers, local government, and policymakers was advised. Future research was recommended to evaluate the long‑term impact of implemented measures and to explore the integration of smart traffic technologies for safer urban mobility.