Federal Government Will Conduct First Major Motorcycle Crash Causation Study In

[EvilSteve]

Federal Government Will Conduct First Major Motorcycle Crash Causation Study In 28 Years

Article on RRW: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=38336

[il d00d]

Its about time.  I hope they keep the tradition of ironically-named authors (Harry Hurt)

The 2009 Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures written by Dr Flippy McHighside.   Written by Dr John Headshake.


I got nothin.

[Greg]

I think the major cause is pretty obvious, and that is car drivers in general are much worse now, with far more distractions.

Then add in stupid stuff like mandating seatbelts and air bags for car drivers but still allowing riders to ride with no helmet.

[Goat_Herder]

Then add in stupid stuff like mandating seatbelts and air bags for car drivers but still allowing riders to ride with no helmet.

+1
Thoss helmet-free and helmet-excempt-for-adults States are comepletely arse backwards...

http://www.usff.com/hldl/frames/50state.html

[Duck-Stew]

Another factor I hope they find is that todays drivers have NO education with regards to motorcycles.  In car drivers education, they teach about trucks and what to look for, how they operate on the road, how they're different but DO NOT cover motorcycles.

So, John and Jane Doe are oblivious to the workings of motorcycles.

Also a factor:  Today's bikes are STUPID fast and the are so few *true* beginner bikes out there and they're looked at as 'wuss' bikes.


I just hope the study isn't used loosely as the basis for some government group to get their panties in a knot, go out half-cocked and end up making motorcycling more expensive for all the existing riders out there like myself (16+ years in the saddle BTW).

[steps off soapbox]

[Grampa]

nothing good will come of this.


more rules in the rule book.

[herm]

http://www.usff.com/hldl/frames/50state.html

one of the most asinine websites i have ever made the mistake of looking at (NOT an attack on the person who posted the link BTW)

[Greg]

Also a factor:  Today's bikes are STUPID fast and the are so few *true* beginner bikes out there and they're looked at as 'wuss' bikes.

I totally agree, and I think they should bring in a graduated system like other countries have. Maybe something along the lines of..

Start off with M/C permit which grants you the right to operate up to 250cc bike for 1 year. After that take another quick test and be granted an advanced permit to operate a 500cc bike for 5 years. After that take another test which grants you unlimited use.

Being able to buy a Superbike with 175+ HP with literally no experience is just idiotic, the riders are a danger to themselves and everyone else around them.

[Duck-Stew]

I totally agree, and I think they should bring in a graduated system like other countries have. <snip>

I agree with you but only if RIDERS get to write the rules up.  The politicians will muck that up big time.  No, let me re-phrase that last part:

...BIG time.

[1KDS]

I totally agree, and I think they should bring in a graduated system like other countries have. Maybe something along the lines of..

I agree with this to a point and with Stew.  Maybe more like 500 or less for 3 years.  I have been riding for about 5 years and don't think I'm unqualified for my S2R1K.

[NAKID]

I totally agree, and I think they should bring in a graduated system like other countries have. Maybe something along the lines of..

Start off with M/C permit which grants you the right to operate up to 250cc bike for 1 year. After that take another quick test and be granted an advanced permit to operate a 500cc bike for 5 years. After that take another test which grants you unlimited use.

Being able to buy a Superbike with 175+ HP with literally no experience is just idiotic, the riders are a danger to themselves and everyone else around them.

That only works if the person abides by it. How many people out there ride without a moto endorsement on their license? I know QUITE a few that don't. So, how do you enforce that?

[Speedbag]

Another factor I hope they find is that todays drivers have NO education with regards to motorcycles.  In car drivers education, they teach about trucks and what to look for, how they operate on the road, how they're different but DO NOT cover motorcycles.

So, John and Jane Doe are oblivious to the workings of motorcycles.

I've always felt that a stint on a bike should be part of driver's ed and a prerequisite to getting a driver's license. Those who get it will likely become better and more observant drivers, and those who don't....well....

[Scotzman]

I would like to see motorcycles get there own lane on major freeways. Will it happen? No, but I'd still like to see it. It would be nice to worry a little less about whether or not this car is going to coming flying into my lane.

[ducatiz]

I totally agree, and I think they should bring in a graduated system like other countries have. Maybe something along the lines of..

I am totally in favor of introducing a graduated system based on age and experience.  People with current M endorsements would be exempted, but I cannot understand any resistance to requiring a new rider to ride only low power bikes for a period of time, and perhaps only during the day, moreover, all drivers/riders should have better training and testing.

Take it as you will.  Plenty of folks would be better off if they had started out learning the right stuff.

I learned by buying a bike with my lawn-cutting money.  I nearly killed myself in the process.  Didn't take a MSF course until I was 20.

[herm]

never work...
[tongue in cheek,sorta]most of the repli-racers are sold to first time riders[/tongue in cheek, sorta]