INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE KINEMATICS AND LOADS OF MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IN FRONTAL CRASHES

Characteristics of motorcycle accidents in the Federal Republic of Germany, motorcycle injuries by cause (primary, post-primary, and secondary impact), basic requirements for the passive protection of cyclists, and safety measures (concerning the motorcycle, crash helmet, and protective clothing) are outlined. Preliminary experiments are described on the impact behavior of motorcycles and the kinematics and impact load of dummies. Using a catapult unit, a dummy (with crash helmet and protective clothing) and motorcycle were impacted against a fixed barrier at a speed of about 20 kph. It was concluded that a safety-oriented vehicle design may significantly reduce injuries. Potential improvements in motorcyclist protection are discussed: energy-absorbing front wheel and forks, broad gas tanks, protective shielding incorporating knee pads, and better protective clothing and crash helmets. It is noted that improvements in passive accident protection must take into account active safety requirements (e.g. driving stability and visibility) and rider acceptance (e.g. comfort and design).

Supplemental Notes:
- Conference held in Washington, D.C., 18-23 May 1980. Also published in HS-029 680, International Motorcycle Safety Conference Proceedings. Volume 2, p 599-614.
Corporate Authors:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation

780 Elkridge Landing Road
Linthicum, MD United States 21090
Authors:
- Ruter, G
- Hontschik, H
- JESSL, P
Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

Features: References;
Pagination: 16 p.

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Clothing; Frontal crashes; Helmets; Injuries; Kinematics; Loads; Motorcyclists; Safety; Vehicle design; Vehicle safety
Old TRIS Terms: Vehicular safety
Subject Areas: Design; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00389653
Record Type: Publication
Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 687
Files: HSL, USDOT
Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM