THE EVALUATION OF AIDS TO THE DAYTIME CONSPICUITY OF MOTORCYCLES

Studies indicate that there are many cases in which a contributory factor in accidents is the failure of other road users to see motorcycles. TRRL and ICE have investigated this problem and made assessments of means of enhancing the conspicuity of motorcyclists. Early experimental work of various forms showed that either the use of a large dipped headlamp or a pair of specially-designed running lamps considerably enhances conspicuity in daylight. This report describes field trials to assess a wide range of lighting arrangements to determine whether there are simple and cheap options which are effective. A small number of options, previously found to be effective, was examined using a newly-developed technique which was representative of field conditions. The results of earlier work were confirmed in that the use of a large, powerful headlamp, pairs of running lamps or fluorescent clothing were found to improve the conspicuity of a motorcyclist. An important finding was that of the effect of environmental features on the benefits obtained from the use of such measures and a strong recommendation is made that a study be made of accidents to determine the potential role of conspicuity aids. (Author/TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)

  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Donne, G L
  • FULTON, E J
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Serial:
  • TRRL LABORATORY REPORT
  • Publisher: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Daylight; Daytime running lamps; Environment; Evaluation and assessment; Fluorescence; Headlamps; Low beamed headlamps; Motorcycles; Motorcyclists; Protective clothing; Reflectorized materials; Vehicle lighting; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Headlamp settings
• Old TRIS Terms: Running lights
• ITRD Terms: 9008: Daylight; 1340: Dipped headlight; 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 6785: Fluorescence; 1342: Headlamp; 1341: Headlamp setting; 1221: Motorcycle; 4523: Reflectorized material; 6783: Visibility
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00396006
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: LR 1137
• Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 31 1986 12:00AM