The pilot program focuses on motorcycle crashes classified as ‘loss of control’ involving a rider running off the road on a curve or straight section, as well as hitting oncoming vehicles whilst not overtaking (DCA 120, 170s and 180s). These crashes often involve the rider hitting roadside objects such as trees or poles. They account for around 50 per cent of rider deaths. Such crashes can be directly influenced by the actions of road authorities and other organisations such as the Police. The program therefore targets contributory factors including local road conditions on the most frequently travelled routes, rider behaviour such as speeding or riding while intoxicated or fatigued and vehicle handling skills on open or winding roads - all of which are significant features of loss of control crashes in many local areas. It is beyond the scope of the pilot program to tackle motorcycle safety issues across the board (for example resolving car and motorcycle conflicts at intersections). (Author/publisher)
Abstract