Examining the influence of riding distraction on risky riding behavior among P‐hailing riders in Malaysia: the mediating role of moral disengagement

Road traffic accidents involving motorcyclists are a significant public health issue in Malaysia, with p‐hailing riders particularly vulnerable. This study investigates the influence of riding distraction on risky riding behavior among p‐hailing riders in Malaysia, focusing on the mediating role of moral disengagement. Drawing on Bandura’s Moral Disengagement Theory and the Job Demand‐Resources (JD‐R) model, this research explores how distractions, such as mobile phone use and navigation adjustments, contribute to moral disengagement and subsequently lead to risky riding behaviors. A sample of 200 p‐hailing riders, representative of the broader rider population, was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‐SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that riding distraction significantly increases risky riding behavior and that this relationship is partially mediated by moral disengagement. These results underscore the importance of addressing external distractions and cognitive justifications to improve road safety among p‐hailing riders. The study recommends implementing specific interventions such as strict mobile phone usage policies and targeted training programs to reduce risky behaviors. These findings have the potential to inform policy and enhance safety practices for p‐hailing riders, thereby reducing the incidence of road traffic accidents in this high‐risk group.