Motorcycle Safety And Crashes

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has declared that motorcycle fatalities represent the nation's greatest highway traffic safety challenge. Over the past decade, the number of motorcycle fatalities has more than doubled over the past decade, representing 14% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. While part of this increase can be attributed to an increase in the number of motorcyclists, the number of fatalities is increasing at a greater rate than the overall increase in ridership. An understanding of the factors involved in motorcycle crashes is needed in order to develop effective safety measures that will reduce the rate of motorcycle crashes and fatalities. This book examines the helmet use of motorcycle riders 21 and older involved in fatal crashes. The analysis is based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) over the years 1997-2006. In addition, the characteristics of lower-extremity injuries among motorcyclists involved in traffic crashes are defined. Areas that may explain the possible causes for the recent continued increases in motorcycle rider fatalities are also examined. Furthermore, this book describes strategies for the Department to improve motorcycle safety during FY 2008 and 2009. Key Department motorcycle safety initiatives include creating a training program designed to educate police on motorcycle safety and the specific enforcement efforts they can undertake to reduce motorcycle crashes and a comprehensive examination of the factors that causes crashes, which will help the Department develop stronger programs and strategies to combat the rising trends in motorcycle crashes. This book consists of public documents which have been located, gathered, combined, reformatted, and enhanced with a subject index, selectively edited and bound to provide easy access.

Accident reconstruction utilizes principles of physics and empirical data to analyze the physical, electronic, video, audio, and testimonial evidence from a crash, to determine how and why the crash occurred, how the crash could have been avoided, or to determine whose description of the crash is most accurate. This process draws together aspects of mathematics, physics, engineering, materials science, human factors, and psychology, and combines analytical models with empirical test data. Different types of crashes produce different types of evidence and call for different analysis methods. Still, the basic philosophical approach of the reconstructionist is the same from crash type to crash type, as are the physical principles that are brought to bear on the analysis. This book covers a basic approach to accident reconstruction, including the underlying physical principles that are used, then details how this approach and the principles are applied when reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction presents a thorough, systematic, and scientific overview of the available methods for reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This new edition contains: Additional theoretical models, examples, case studies, and test data. An updated bibliography incorporating the newest studies in the field. Expanded coverage of the braking capabilities of motorcyclists. Updated, refined, and expanded discussion of the decelerations of motorcycles sliding on the ground. A thoroughly rewritten and expanded discussion of motorcycle impacts with passenger vehicles. Updated coefficients of restitution for collisions between motorcycles and cars. A new and expanded discussion of using passenger car EDR data in motorcycle accident reconstruction. A new section covering recently published research on post-collision frozen speedometer readings on motorcycles. A new section on motorcycle interactions with potholes, roadway deterioration, and debris and expanded coverage of motorcycle falls. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction is a must-have title for accident reconstructionists, forensic engineers, and all interested in understanding why and how motorcycle crashes occur.

"It only took a few seconds of distraction to cause Ed to approach the intersection to fast. It only took a few seconds for the drunk to enter the same intersection, running the red light in the process. Ed would live, but would never walk again. The information in this book will teach you to avoid such distractions. Using the same awareness technique taught in many law enforcement academies self defense schools to build high levels of alertness, this information may save your life."

First published in 1989, the main thrust in this volume has been to denote and elucidate a source of information on motorcyclists・a source which the editors believe is particularly rich with data about characteristics, images and everyday social behaviors.

Riding motorcycles is fun, but author Ken Condon maintains that there is a state of consciousness to be achieved beyond the simple pleasure of riding down the road. Riding in the Zone helps riders find that state of being. It's the experience of being physically and mentally present in the moment, where every sense is sharply attuned to the ride. Your mind becomes silent to the chatter of daily life, and everyday problems seem to dissolve. You feel a deeper appreciation for life. Your body responds to this state of being with precise, fluid movements, you feel in balance, your muscles are relaxed, and it seems as though every input you make is an expression of mastery. This is "the Zone." Condon identifies all of the factors that affect entering the Zone and addresses each one individually, from the development of awareness and mental skills to mastering physical control of the motorcycle. At the end of each chapter are drills designed to transform the book's ideas into solid, practical riding skills. Riding in the Zone takes riders to the next level in their skill set.

This report has been prepared by the Monash University Accident Research Centre. It constitutes the first stage of a potential multi-stage project and takes the form of a feasibility study of motorcycle and safety barrier crash-testing. Road safety barriers are designed to enhance the safety of the road infrastructure by containing errant vehicles and reducing the severity of off-path collisions. Experience indicates that conventional barrier systems used in accordance with specific guidelines have performed well in protecting the occupants of passenger cars. However, their effects on the safety of motorcyclists, is somewhat problematic. Given the limited available information on motorcycle-barrier interactions, and the lack of established procedures for motorcycle crash-testing, ATSB commissioned a preliminary investigation of relevant issues. This report is the principal output of these preliminary investigations. The main purpose of this initial work was to recommend a research method for investigating the interactions between motorcycles and road safety barriers. Specific objectives were to: identify barrier design issues likely to impact on motorcycle rider safety; identify relevant rider injury mechanisms; identify and assess the feasibility of research methods for investigating interactions between motorcycles and safety barriers; recommend a research program, addressing the overall aims described above. The study has involved a review of the international literature on relevant topics, analysis of motorcycle crash records, and consultation with technical experts and key stakeholders in three States.