Breaking down accident statistics

[jrdudas]

I read another thread that had a link to a description of the risks of motorcycle riding and it renewed a question I have had for some time. We are always reading the statistics that are published regarding motorcycle accidents and fatalities. The most commonly reported fact in a bike accident is whether the rider was wearing a helmet. Certainly this is important, but I think there are additional facts, that if reported, could help all of us have a clearer understanding of what issues contribute to increased accidents.

For instance;

Was the motorcycle rider new (or recently returned) to riding, and did their inexperience play a part in the accident. (This is sometimes reported)

Had the rider been drinking prior to the accident.

Was the bike involved a high-power sport bike or a more mild-mannered cruiser.

Did the weather conditions play any part in the accident.

What about the road conditions.

What were the traffic conditions.

Was the motorcycle speeding at the time of the accident.

Was the time-of-day a factor in the accident.

I could probably come up with a few more given enough thought, but you get the idea. We seem to be receiving far less information then we could be getting. I would think that much of the info I mentioned can be found on the police accident report, and it would be a real benefit to the riding community if that information was published; much like the NTSB does for aircraft accidents.

Has anyone seen a study that includes detailed information such as this.

JR

[revcbl]

The last detailed study of motorcycle accidents (in the US) was the Hurt Report in 1981.
The AMA is trying to raise funds for another one.

[Lion_Lady]

Just over 50% of motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. If the nut at the wheel is impaired, not much else is gonna save 'em.

Just clearing out the gene pool, I guess.

P

[hy_tek]

Just over 50% of motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. If the nut at the wheel is impaired, not much else is gonna save 'em.

Just clearing out the gene pool, I guess.

P

Whenever I see a bunch of bikers drinking alcohol at the tavern I just shake my head in disgust and wonder if I will be reading about them in the morning obituaries...

[Kal]

Hey I go to the pub all the time on my bike...

Just because I am in a pub dosn't mean I have to drink - what kind of problems do you think I have?

There have been UK based reports in the last couple of years. I did post them last year. I'll try to find it.

[hy_tek]

Hey I go to the pub all the time on my bike...

Just because I am in a pub dosn't mean I have to drink - what kind of problems do you think I have?

There have been UK based reports in the last couple of years. I did post them last year. I'll try to find it.

If you go to the pub and do not drink alcohol I think you would be in the minority my friend.....but you are correct not every biker drinks that goes to a tavern.....just usually all the breathing ones.....

[Kal]

The drink drive limit here is somewhere between 1.5 and 2 pints depending on what you are drinking.

I know people who will happily have a beer near the start of the night, but most of the riders I know just don't drink when out with the bike.

The MAIDS study into motorcycle and scooter accidents concludes that "in 50 % of cases, the primary accident-contributing factor was human error on the part of the other driver. Amongst the primary factors, over 70 % of the driver's errors involved failure to see a motorcycle driver."
MAIDS - the Motorcycle Accidents In Depth Study - shows that despite media representations, motorcycle riders are not usually to blame in the event of a motorcycle accident. In 60 % of accidents, a car was involved and in 50 % of these cases, the car driver was to blame.
In 50 % of cases, the main problem was an error on the part of the other driver. Over 70 % of errors on the part of the other driver involved failure to see a motorcycle driver.
Over 73 % of drivers attempt some form of collision avoidance prior to impact, and weather-related conditions only contribute to about 7.4 % of motorcycle accident cases. Drivers failing to see motorists has been the subject of TV advertising campaigns to raise driver awareness.