THE NHTSA'S (NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S) VIEW OF MOTORCYCLE CRASH INJURY REDUCTION

The anticipated growth in motorcycle and moped usage because of gasoline cost and availability, and the accompanying increase in motorcycle accidents and casualties, are addressed. There is a lack of motorcycle accident data; the National Hwy. Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is sponsoring the first multidisciplinary investigation of motorcycle crashes in the U.S. (a two-year study of 900 accidents to be conducted by the Univ. of Southern California). The motoring public must be informed about the inherent hazards of motorcycle use. The best long-term approach to motorcycle safety is through crash avoidance programs. Countermeasures include operator licensing and testing programs, education and training, and improved motorcycle/rider conspicuity. Continued emphasis on motorcycle safety helmets and other protective apparel to minimize injuries is supported. Other NHTSA motorcycle safety activities are reviewed: nine Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, compliance testing, and safety defect investigations; and safety research projects (e.g. state-of-the-art study; development of training and testing materials, operator hearing and vision requirements, and improved brakes and tires; and analysis of crash dynamics).

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at 19th Annual Meeting of American Association for Automotive Medicine, San Diego, 21 Nov. 1975.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Buchanan, L S
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 17 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Brakes; Countermeasures; Crash investigation; Crash severity; Crash tests; Driver education; Driver licensing; Helmets; Injuries; Mopeds; Motorcycles; Safety; Tires; Visibility
• Subject Areas: Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00361566
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-804 770U
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 1982 12:00AM