This report discusses the results of a user information survey concerning safety systems on PTWs (Powered Two Wheelers) to obtain insight in the present usage of PTWs and the demand and acceptance for new safety systems for Germany (D), Italy (I) and the Netherlands (NL). Additional information from an extensive UK survey was also analysed. This data allowed survey information to be related to existing data sources and to investigate the trends in PTW accidents. This analysis was used to relate rider characteristics to accident risk and to the user acceptance of systems. The participants of all the three different countries drove often on rural roads, quite often on urban roads, sometimes on motorways and hardly ever on unpaved roads. The German participants drove less frequently on urban roads compared to the other two countries and the Dutch participants drove more frequently on motorways compared to the other two countries. The driving circumstances differed amongst all three different countries: the participants drove mostly in fair weather and during daytime. However the Italian participants drove more frequently during night and twilight compared to the other two countries. The results showed that German and Dutch participants drove less reckless than the Italian participants. It was also shown that the participants that owning a sport PTW drove more reckless than the participants that drove other PTWs. In the UK, two main groups of riders were identified; those who ride in all conditions throughout the year, including in the wet and dark, and those who ride in all conditions during the summer, but do not ride in the winter. The former have a much higher probability of accident involvement than the latter. The survey data suggests that the characteristics of the average EU survey and those of the UK are similar. It could be concluded that the protection that is most often worn is of the following order: 1. Helmet; 2. Motor jacket, motor gloves; 3. Boots, motor suit; 4. Motor trousers, earplugs, body protector, knee pads and kidney belt. Overall, the Italian participants seemed to wear less protection compared to the German and Dutch participants. The outcome of the questionnaires referring to the desired systems showed that the PTW drivers were in favour for direct driving support systems such as ABS, ESP, Night vision displays etc. Automatic support systems, taking away tasks from the PTW driver were disliked. It also seemed that the Italian drivers were more interested in the enhanced vision/night vision display than the other two countries. This could be related to the circumstances that the participants drove in. The Italian drove more during night and twilight than German and Dutch participants. A disparity may exist between user acceptance and the potential benefit of safety systems due to the perception of systems, the motivation of PTW riding and the accident liability for rider groups. However, APHS systems may be the most viable for implementation and could provide the most immediate safety benefits. CWS systems should be prioritised towards inexperienced riders who have reduced hazard perception and observational skills and a high accident liability. This group may also have the least opposition to new safety systems. Although generally considered undesirable, ADTS systems should be focused towards particular user groups since the acceptance, functionality and therefore safety benefit is somewhat dependent on the purpose of riding. (Author/publisher)
Abstract