In depth study of motorcycle accidents

Abstract

The nature of motorcycle accidents in the UK is discussed. A sample of 1790 accident cases was considered, including 1003 in detail, form Midlands police forces, involving motorcyclists of all ages, and covering the years 1997-2002 inclusive. Each case was summarised on a database including the main objective features (such as time and place) and a summary narrative, a sketch plan and a list of explanatory factors. In addition, a questionnaire was completed by a sample of relatively experienced motorcyclists recruited through the Motorcycle Action Group. Significant differences were discovered in the sample with respect to the types of accidents involving motorcyclists. There seems to be a particular problem surrounding other road users' perception of motorcycles, particularly at junctions. Such accidents often seem to involve older drivers with relatively high levels of driving experience who nonetheless seem to have problems detecting approaching motorcycles. Motorcyclists themselves seem to have far more problems with other types of accident, such as those on bends, and overtaking or 'filtering' accidents. It is considered that interventions should be focussed on the skills and attitudes of young and inexperienced riders of smaller capacity machines such as scooters, and of older, more experienced riders of higher capacity machines. The full text of this publication may be found at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme5/indepthstudyofmotorcycleacc.pdf