In the context of the COST357 research project, the climatic conditions and requirements for protective helmets for motorcyclists have been examined. The extent to which these factors would influence motorbike handling and accidents in which motorcyclists are involved have also been examined. This project addresses how cognitive abilities of motorcyclists relate to helmet construction factors. In particular, the aspects of motorcycle driver helmets are to be parameterized in order that they may be used subsequently as a basis for future requirement profiles. The task of Working Group 1 of the COST357 project has been to analyze accident events and to identify helmet design issues which affect motorcycle drivers while wearing a helmet. This has been achieved by collecting accident data across different countries recorded in the course of in-depth investigations at the site of accidents and by combining this with field studies of motorcyclists participating in traffic, but not involved in accidents. This paper presents the study methodology, database and results of this international survey. The basis of the study has been a total of 598 interviews of motorcyclists and 208 motorcycle accidents, which were collected across Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Turkey and combined in a single database. This CD-ROM contains supplementary work to the COST Action 357 final report. For the final report, see ST 20100703.
Abstract