An analysis of 1058 motorcycle accidents in the UK were analysed from case reports. A database was constructed from the relatively objective facts of each accident, supplemented by a prose account from the point of view of the motorcyclist, and a small outline sketch. The peak age ranges for accident involvement were 16-20 years and 31-35 years. Men were 15-fold more likely to be involved in an accident than women but they made 7-fold more trips by motorcycle. The 16-20 age group were more likely to be involved in right-of-way violation (ROWV) accidents. These accidents were more likely at peak hours whereas loss of control on bend accidents happened at all times of day and were associated with leisure riding. A large proportion of ROWV accidents occur because the vehicle driver failed to see the motorcyclist. Riders losing control at bends are often those who have returned to motorcycling after a break. The significance of 'looked but did not see' accidents, of vehicle drivers with inadequate awareness of motorcyclists, and of motorcyclists' overtaking behaviour is discussed. For the covering abstract see ITRD E124157.
Abstract