Strategies to prevent motorcyclist fatalities and injuries in Mexico City

In recent years, Mexico City has faced a significant increase in motorcyclist fatalities and injuries. From 2019 to 2022, deaths among motorcyclists and passengers increased by 134%, while injuries grew by 89%.<_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_3" id="782001797" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">^[1]This mirrors a regional increase in deaths among users of powered two- and three-wheelers, which increased from 15% to 25% of all road traffic deaths in the region of the Americas between 2010 and 2021.

In Mexico City, the rise is partly due to the growing popularity of motorcycles as an affordable and efficient mode of transportation, in a city notorious for its dense and congested traffic. Between 2014 and 2023 the number of motorcycles registered in the city more than tripled, increasing from 210 020 in 2014 to 716 400 in 2023. This trend has led to a higher incidence of motorcycle crashes, resulting in more severe injuries and fatalities. In 2022, motorcycles were involved in 6 out of 10 traffic incidents; nearly half of the fatalities in such incidents (174 out of 381) were motorcyclists, of which 50% (86 out of 174) died in single-vehicle crashes, often involving skidding or colliding with a tree or pole. Vulnerable road users (motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists) accounted for 81% of traffic fatalities during this period (2019-2022), with motorcyclists representing the largest group at 47%.

To address this issue, between 2023 and 2024 the city undertook several actions to reduce motorcycle-related crashes, fatalities and injuries by strengthening and enforcing regulations to improve safety. Their actions align with several WHO-recommended interventions around improving road safety for powered two- and three-wheelers.

Enacting new regulations to enhance motorcycle safety

In September 2023 the city amended existing legislation to increase motorcyclist safety in several ways. One of these was connected to <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_4" id="178475753" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_5" id="94380036" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_6" id="-1930026101" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">reducing the speed at which motorcycles travel around the city. Higher speeds on roads correlate directly with an increased likelihood of traffic fatalities or severe injuries.^[2]An increase of 1 km/h in average vehicle speed can result in a 3% increase in traffic crashes resulting in injuries, and a 4-5% increase in fatal crashes. Limiting speeding is an intervention that has been repeatedly shown to be effective.^[3]The city legislation now prevents motorcycles from using roads where the maximum speed permitted is 80 km/h. The aim is to ensure motorcycle drivers travel on roads with lower speed limits, and that their risk of speed-related crashes is consequently reduced.

In addition, Mexico City <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_7" id="1491448350" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">amended the local regulations <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_8" id="-905845029" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_9" id="-650903059" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_10" id="430866109" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_11" id="1810429647" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">to require the use of certified helmets by motorcycle riders, limit the number of passengers on motorcycles, and prohibit the transport of infants^.[4]Improving helmet use is an important component of road safety for motorcycle use. Head injuries are the main cause of death in most motorcycle crashes in Mexico City, and WHO data shows quality helmets reduce the risk of death by 40% and reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 70%.^[5]

Restricting the number of passengers on motorcycles can also ensure optimal conditions for safe riding, mitigating the risk of crashes caused by loss of balance. Whilst global evidence is limited on the use of age restrictions, Mexico City decided to introduce one based on local data. Between January 2019 and March 2023, 17 minors died in Mexico City while traveling on motorcycles, accounting for 3% of all motorcyclist fatalities in the capital.^[6] The city has now <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_12" id="563986360"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_13" id="1650404465">introduced a restriction on children under 12 travelling as passengers on motorcycles.^[7]

These new restrictions apply to all city roads, and the city can now <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_14" id="719260287" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_15" id="-362519120" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">impound vehicles where drivers have <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_16" id="1447813343" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_17" id="1032842144" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_18" id="-734233795" style="background-color:transparent;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">violated any of these measures, as well as issuing penalty fines. In addition to reducing road traffic crashes, the economic impact of this regulatory amendment is expected to be substantial. In addition to healthcare savings from reducing deaths and injuries, it also expects to reduce costs associated with traffic incident responses, which can cost between 500 000 and 1 million pesos per patient. (SEDESA, 2024). Toughening penalties by impounding violating motorcycles is also initially expected to generate revenue, as well as ensuring compliance and incentivizing behavior change.

Implementation and enforcement

Once the local transit legislation was amended, the city focused on implementation and enforcement. To do this they undertook a range of measures:

• Infrastructure changes: The city installed 100 <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_19" id="-1270076972"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_20" id="132915332">vertical signaling points, both preventive and restrictive, at locations with the highest rates of fatal crashes
• Free helmet distribution: To increase helmet use, safe helmets must be widely available and affordable. To achieve this, <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_21" id="680320691">1000 helmets meeting the specifications outlined in the regulation have been provided by the city government for distribution at motorcycle schools throughout the city, as part of the standard training curriculum. Currently, 1000 free helmets have been given out to motorcyclists attending the city's Moto School, and this is envisaged as a first phase of support for enforcing the new helmet requirements. The Moto School has also run training sessions and events across various boroughs in the city, and it has successfully trained over 1000 participants, 66% of whom use motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation. Out of those who participated in a survey, 45%indicated that they believe more Moto Schools and training would help reduce fatalities and injuries among motorcycle users.
• Control checkpoints: Checkpoints, run by the Secretary of Mobility and the Secretariat of Citizen Security, play a dual role of providing information and carrying out enforcement. The checkpoints inform motorcyclists about the essential measures they must follow when riding, including the use of complete protective gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, equipped pants, and boots), vehicle maintenance, and driving techniques to prevent traffic incidents. Information is also given about the amended regulations, and motorcyclists not compliant with the new requirements receive a <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_22" id="622743105"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_23" id="1675764934">fine of between MX 1086 - 2 171 (USD 56 - 111). Those with no helmets must <_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_24" id="385142351"><_w3a_sdt sdttag="goog_rdk_25" id="619883574">complete a questionnaire, after which they receive a pass to attend a training session at a motorcyclist school and, in doing so, receive a free helmet. By the end of July 2024, 131 control checkpoints had already been conducted.
• Communication campaign: A city campaign - #ParaSalvarVidas - was launched by the Secretary of Mobility to improve public knowledge about the new regulations, and to increase compliance rates. Messaging focused on the importance of respecting speed limits and proper helmet use, in addition to the new regulation prohibiting passengers under 12 years old. Sustained media publicity and awareness campaigns should accompany enforcement activities to promote adherence to road rules by motorcyclists.^[8] Evidence suggests that programs targeting at-risk motorcyclists, combined with increased awareness among the general population, can generate the necessary public support to increase compliance with such regulations.

Initially there were concerns about pushback on the new amendments, especially around limiting the use of motorcycles on high-speed roads. Previous attempts to stop motorcycles under 600 cc from using these had been met with protests and road blockades by motorcyclists. To mitigate this risk, local government staff from Mexico City engaged with motorcyclist groups early on in the process. They had multiple meetings over several months to discuss why these measures were needed to prevent deaths and the benefits to their safety, such as the reduced risk of head trauma from wearing helmets. The motorcyclist groups eventually supported the changes, and even participated in launch events connected to the new regulations.

Preliminary analysis by the city indicates encouraging results. Data analysis conducted to assess the impact of the 100 signage installations revealed a 33% reduction in motorcycle-related incidents in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, reducing from 301 to 202 incidents. There was also a small drop in fatalities. Since the launch of the #ParaSalvarVidascampaign and the enforcement of the reforms, there has been a reduction in the percentage of motorcycles impounded for operating without proper registration (from 27% to 8%) and the rate of motorcycles operating without license plates decreased from 11% to 9%. The percentage of motorcycles cited for carrying minors has reduced by nearly two-thirds, from 1.3% to 0.4%, while those penalized for having more than two passengers decreased by 75%, from 0.8% to 0.2%. Additionally, the rate of motorcycles cited for passengers not wearing helmets declined from 4.7% to 2%, and the rate for drivers not wearing helmets saw a slight decrease from 0.9% to 0.8%. These data suggest that the actions are having their intended effect.

The city will continue to enforce its speed limits and the new motorcycle regulations, with intensified efforts scheduled for major holiday periods. By maintaining rigorous oversight and increasing enforcement activities during high-traffic periods, the city aims to ensure compliance with these regulations and enhance overall road safety for motorcycle drivers and other road users. Whilst speeding remains an area of concern, the city aims to continue efforts to create safer, slower roads for citizens in the future.

This project was led by the Secretary of Mobility of Mexico City, with technical and financial support from the Partnership for Healthy Cities and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS). For more information on Mexico City's transport work, please see the city's 2024 Road Safety Action Plan for Motorcyclists, and their web page on road safety.

[1] SEMOVI, Mexico City Mobility Secretariat (2023). Quarterly Traffic Incident Reports. Available at:https://www.semovi.cdmx.gob.mx/tramites-y- services/transparency/reports-e-reports/transit-facts

[2] World Health Organization (2017). Managing Speed. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/managing-speed

[3] World Health Organization (2022). Powered two-and three-wheeler safety: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240060562

[4] Article 37 of the Transit regulation: https://www.ssc.cdmx.gob.mx/storage/app/media/Transito/Actualizaciones/Reglamento-de-Transito-CDMX.pdf

[5] SEMOVI, Mexico City Mobility Secretariat (2023). Quarterly Traffic Incident Reports. Available at:https://www.semovi.cdmx.gob.mx/tramites-y- services/transparency/reports-e-reports/transit-facts

[6] ibid.

[7] Article 38 section III, paragraph C of the Traffic Regulations

[8] World Health Organization (2022). Powered two-and three-wheeler safety: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240060562

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