MOTORCYCLE AND SAFETY BARRIER CRASH-TESTING: FEASIBILITY STUDY

Abstract

Road safety barriers are designed to enhance the safety of the road infrastructure by containing errant vehicles and reducing the severity of off-path collisions. Experience indicates that conventional barrier systems used in accordance with specific guidelines have performed well in protecting the occupants of passenger cars. However, their effects on the safety of motorcyclists, is somewhat of a problem. Given the limited available information on motorcycle-carrier interactions and the lack of established procedures for motorcycle crash-testing, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) commissioned a preliminary investigation of relevant issues. The main purpose of the project was to recommend a research method for investigating the interactions between motorcycles and road safety barriers. Specific objectives were to: (1) identify barrier design issues likely to impact motorcycle rider safety; (2) identify relevant rider injury mechanisms; (3) identify and assess the feasibility of research methods for investigating interaction between motorcycles and safety barriers; and (4) recommend a research program using the aims of the project described above.