Motorcycle accidents continue to be a world-wide problem. The annual cost for casualties in Great Britain is .645M. The report contains an accident review which examines causes and injury mechanisms. Failure of other road users to see motorcycles and incorrect use of brakes are shown to be two main causes. Head injuries are frequently the cause of fatalities and leg injuries are the most frequent serious injuries. The mechanism of these injuries and the type of accident in which they occur are examined. For many years TRRL has researched to find ways of reducing the incidence and severity of motorcycle accidents, and the report describes research into conspicuity, braking and rider protection. Conspicuity can be improved both in daytime and at night and ways of doing this have been determined. A system in which the front and rear motorcycle brakes are coupled and linked to antilock has been tested and found to offer significant advantages. Leg protection which successfully protects the legs without increasing other injuries has been developed and results of many impact tests of this system are presented including results where the dummy was fitted with a frangible leg. Airbags can be used on motorcycles to reduce head injuries; 3 systems fitted to 3 different motorcycles have been tested. Large and small motorcycles (in standard form) have been impacted into a car at different velocities, and the potential for head injury in the tests is reported as part of current research to optimise airbag performance. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 840727.
Abstract