This paper reviews and summarizes the history of motorcycle leg protection research. This consists of a summary of the devices and concepts, as well as a description of the evolving methodology used to evaluate such devices. The paper continues with a description of tests conducted in 1989 to further evaluate the United Kingdom draft specification (UKDS) for motorcycle leg protectors. These tests were the most comprehensive to date in terms of the types of motorcycles and cars used; the leg protector designs and categories; the type of impact configurations considered; and the use of state-of-the-art test methodologies, including new motorcycle impact dummy and performance measures. Test results showed that UKDS type leg protection devices can increase both leg and head injuries, and overall injury severity.
Samenvatting