Accidents of motorcyclists:​ increase of safety by technical measures on the basis of knowledge derived from real-life accidents

Danner, M.; Langwieder, K.; Sporner, A.

Technical safety measures call for detailed knowledge of how accidents occur. Accidents involving two-wheel vehicles pose particular problems in describing the course of the accident and injury severity as well as ascertaining the causes.

Using material covering approximately 3,500 accidents with motorized two-wheelers, a realistic classification system is explained and problems of the different two-wheel categories are shown in this paper.

Experimental and mathematical simulations of the main accident type lead to some suggestions on how to change the motorcycle by adding some safety elements to reduce the injury risk of the driver.

A safety motorcycle is introduced that can improve, in a positive way, the flight path of the driver after an impact without being unrealistic.

Year

Entry

1977

Langwieder K. Collision characteristics and injuries to motorcyclists and moped drivers. In: Proceedings of the 21st Stapp Car Crash Conference. October 19-21, 1977; New Orleans, LA. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:261-301. SAE 770920.

Year

Entry

1994

Zellner JW, Newman JA, Rogers NM. Preliminary research into the feasibility of motorcycle airbag systems. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 23-26, 1994; Munich, Germany.1198-1210.

1994

Rogers NM. Evaluation of TRL designed leg protectors for a medium sized sport motorcycle. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 23-26, 1994; Munich, Germany.1279-1298.

2001