In many regions of Asia, 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers are the primary modes of transportation in many low-income households due to their affordability and accessibility. However, motorcycles have been linked to a higher risk of road crashes. This report explores the trends based on available data for 2/3-wheeler road safety in Asia.
Evidence shows road crash fatality rates are higher in countries with greater motorcycle ownership. While there has been some improvement in the proportion of fatalities among two or three-wheeler users, many countries continue to experience an increase in this proportion. Over the past twenty years, there has been a significant increase in the ownership of 2/3-wheelers in lower-income Asian economies. However, comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of motorcycle users are still lacking in many Asian countries. Additionally, a majority of the road infrastructure lacks adequate provisions for the safety of motorcyclists.