This article looks at a fresh approach to warning motorcyclists about sharp bends to increase road safety for this group of road users. Motorcyclists should use the vanishing point of a road (the furthest unobstructed view of the road surface) to determine the correct speed and gear to use, but tend to focus on roadside features instead. Traditionally, hazard marker posts are placed to highlight the crown of a bend: the WYLIWYG (Where you look is where you go) principle moves the posts further round the bend and places them closer together to aid the rider in focussing on the vanishing point of the bend. The system also highlights the vertical movement of the road where a bend goes up or down hill. As the last post becomes visible, the view ahead opens up to a straight road. This approach has been used in Buckinghamshire, southern England, to prevent motorcycle crashes. (A)
Abstract