MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
In the last ten years have drastically reduced accidents and fatalities of motorcyclists. Of course, the number of motorcycle drivers is increasing, especially after the entry into force of the new traffic regulations, which can direct up to 125 cc motorcycles, after three years of license B1. Thus, in the latter 2004 were enrolled a total of 117,000 units, up 57% over 2003.
Despite the decline in accidents, motorists still face a high risk every time you take to the road. A recent study dela Winterthur Foundation, in collaboration with the Traffic Institute at the University of Valencia (INTRAS) analyzes the causes of motorcycle accidents in Spain and its consequences and possible solutions to improve safety.
Fewer claims
One of the main conclusions of this report is that between 1993 and 2003 has reduced the number of motorcycle accidents in Spain in 22%, fatalities by 33% and serious injuries by 54%.
Of course, despite these optimistic results, we must bear in mind that the analysis of mortality from a standard point of view (number of vehicles per kilometer) and compared with other vehicles, the motorcycle is shown as a potentially dangerous vehicle . The mortality rate in 2003, motorcycle accidents is 10 times the rate for light vehicles and 40 times that of heavy vehicles.
In addition, this report shows that from 2002 the age group between 29 and 39 is the highest risk of suffering an accident on the bike. Accidents in people younger than 29 years has been reduced over the last ten years by 32.78% and mortality by 28.9%.
What are the most common motorcycle accidents?
In 2003 there were 9,938 accidents in speaking at least one motorcycle. 66.9% of these accidents were collisions between two vehicles, 21.3% in solo accidents, multiple collisions 6.4% and 5.4% remaining violations.
Moreover, according to the report, the accident rate varies depending on the parties involved. Accidents in the accident alone is the most common exit route. Between vehicles (motorcycles and cars, motorcycles and truck / van and motorcycle and moped), is characteristic frontal crash and frontolateral. Between two motorcycles and between motorcycle and bus are also frequent the collisions reach the accident. Multiple collisions, the accident is also prevalent and frontolateral collision, followed by a side impact.
Collisions between cars and motorcycles account for 52% of all accidents involving motorcyclists in Spain. After analyzing the existence of violations by drivers of vehicles, in 53% of cases the driver commits a violation of tourism drive. The driver of a motorcycle violates the standard by 26% of accidents and 17% both drivers committed a traffic infraction.
Passenger car drivers, as most common violations, do not respect the priority (20.4% of the total) took the opposite direction (12.5%) and so distracted driving (8.3). Motorcycle riders, meanwhile, invade the opposite direction (7.3%) and distracted driving (6.4%).
Violating the standard for speed is crucial in the severity of injuries to motorists. When speed is inadequate or excessive in the accident, the death rate is doubled compared to that recorded for the accident that no such infringement.
Some solutions
The department Winthertur research in Switzerland has made a series of crash tests to investigate the consequences of collisions and possible solutions. This company advocates the incorporation of the latest security measures to prevent more serious injuries in a crash.
Thus, these tests have shown that the use of braking stability systems such as ABS or the airbag for motorcycles reduces the risk of accidents and suffer for, decreases the severity of injuries.