THE ROLE FRONTAL MOTORCYCLE CONSPICUITY HAS IN ROAD ACCIDENTS

Since motorcyclists are over-involved in accidents, it is of some importance to determine whether or not the use of headlights during daylight might lead to a reduction in such accidents. While some us states have laws in this regard, and other places including Australia have recommendations that such a policy become law, a study was made to help a decision as to whether or not the policy should be introduced into New Zealand. Studies reviewed included those of accident characteristics, those concerning daylight running-light use on automobiles, and those involving day time light use on motorcycles. Physiological and psychological reasons for conspicuity (or lack thereof) of an object are also reviewed, as are factors affecting perceptual processes. It is concluded that compulsory usage of motorcycle headlights should be favored and that New Zealand is very likely to have a benefit-cost ratio exceeding 1 if such a policy is adopted. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00014575
• Corporate Authors:

  Pergamon Press, Incorporated

  Headington Hill Hall
  Oxford OX30BW,    
• Authors:
  • Thomson, G A
• Publication Date: 1980-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 165-178
• Serial:
  • Accident Analysis & Prevention
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0001-4575
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00014575

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Crashes; Daylight; Headlamps; Highway safety; Laws; Legislation; Low beamed headlamps; Motorcycles; Motorcyclists; Perception; Policy; Prevention; Safety; Traffic crashes; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Causes; Front
• Geographic Terms: New Zealand
• ITRD Terms: 1643: Accident; 1661: Accident prevention; 9003: Cause; 9008: Daylight; 1340: Dipped headlight; 9025: Front; 1556: Legislation; 1221: Motorcycle; 1752: Motorcyclist; 8079: New Zealand; 2229: Perception; 173: Policy; 6783: Visibility
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Policy; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00334111
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 542
• Files: HSL, ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 15 1983 12:00AM