In performing this study, the Franklin Institute Research Laboratories evaluated the effect of laws requiring the daytime use of motorcycle headlights and taillights on motorcycle detectability, and the effect of extended headlight and taillight operation on motorcycle electrical systems. The report is presented in one volume consisting of four main sections. Section 1 discusses the goals and objectives of the study and the research approach adopted to meet those objectives. It also summarizes the research reported in Sections 2 through 4, and presents the significant conclusions and recommendations of the study. Section 2 provides a review of the literature dealing with motorcycles, accidents, costs and benefits; an analysis of motorcycle accident data in the four states having daytime headlight laws and in four control states; a review of dealer records in these four states and in Pennsylvania to determine the effect of daytime motorcycle headlight and taillight operation on repair and maintenance; and a cost-benefit analysis. Section 3 reports on the design and findings of the experiments conducted by the Franklin Institute Research Laboratories to determine the effect of the daytime operation of motorcycle headlights and taillights on the noticeability of motorcycles by drivers of other vehicles. Section 4 presents an evaluation of the effect of extended use of headlights and taillights on motorcycle electrical systems, including test philosophy, parameters that were measured, design of test equipment and test plan, and the results obtained from these experiments.
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