Based on information in DEKRA accident reconstruction expertises, 302 motorcycle accidents were analysed which occurred within the period 1989 to 1996 in Germany. Among them were 46 accidents involving motor scooters. The accident analysis results (eg distribution of accident types, motorcycle movement before crash, movement of the riders after the crash) are described and commented upon to supplement and update findings already published earlier in relation to actual accident occurrences involving motorcycles. In particular, there is a discussion of collision configurations and collision velocities together with the injuries of the rider (injured body parts, causes of the injuries). In addition, the collision configurations and collision velocities in accidents involving cars and motorcycles are compared with the crash test configurations described in ISO/DIS 13232. In accordance with ISO/DIS 13232, four crash tests were carried out in which motorcycles collided with the side of cars. In two tests the car was stationary before the collision; in two other tests a collision of two moving vehicles was simulated. A Hybrid III pedestrian dummy (50th percentile male) was used as the motorcycle rider. In conclusion, against the background of actual accident occurrences and the test results, the current position with regard to the passive safety of motorcycles is described and pointers given toward possibilities for improvement. (A)
Abstract