Adelaide in-depth accident study 1975-1979. Part 4: Motorcycle accidents

Abstract

This report contains descriptions of the causes and consequences of the accidents involving motorcycles in a representative sample of road traffic accidents to which an ambulance was called in metropolitan Adelaide. Reviews of the relevant characteristics of the motorcyclists and drivers, and of the motorcycles, are also included. The role of road and traffic factors is discussed in more detail in a separate report in this series. Sixty-eight, or 22 per cent of the accidents in this survey involved a motorcycle. Most of the riders were young males, many of whom were inexperienced in riding a motorcycle in traffic, and alcohol intoxication was a major factor in those accidents which occurred at night. Few riders were able to make full use of the braking capabilities of their motorcycle in an emergency, and changes are recommended in the method of brake actuation and in motorcycle licence tests. Ninety-six per cent of the motorcyclists were injured. Severe head injuries were less common than were severe injuries to the lower limbs, reflecting the use of effective crash helmets and the high risk of the motorcyclist being struck on the leg in a collision.