The effect of a motorcycle lights-on law in North Carolina was examined by analyzing crash data for an eight-year period from 1971 through 1978. The law was implemented on October 1, 1973 when motorcycle activity was declining after reaching a peak during the summer months. The proportions of motorcycle crashes that were daylight multivehicle were compared with the similar proportions for all crashes. It was found that a significant decrease in these crashes occured for motorcycles following the implementation of the law. A similar decrease was not observed for total crashes. Cost estimates for the averted injuries and deaths indicate that the lights-on legislation results in significant benefits. The results support the conclusion that the law was effective in the way that was anticipated.
Samenvatting