Environmental hazards in motorcycle accidents

The roadway environment presents hazards to the motorcycle that differ uniquely from other vehicles. These can be dichotomized generally as motorcycle control hazards or as injury hazards. Those threats to motorcycle control and stability are rare, accounting for less than 3% of accidents. However, the environment is a major source of injuries to motorcycle riders and passengers, who are protected only by the equipment they wear. Considerable research and development effort has been devoted to making the roadway environment a safer place for automobile collisions, but a commensurate effort for motorcycles is lacking. Consequently, roadway fixtures such as dividers, overpasses, poles and fences cause significant injuries which could be avoided. Data collected in 900 on-scene motorcycle accident investigations performed by the University of Southern California are used to identify both types of hazards and suggest ways to reduce injury exposure. Language: en