10 Things Learned from the Virginia Tech Bike Crash Study
Virginia Tech recently completed a study of 100 motorcyclists, who collectively rode 367,000 miles, to determine the most common factors that lead to motorcycle-related crashes. Through with multiple cameras, GPS, accelerometers, gyrometers, and strain gauges fitted to each motorcycle, the researchers were able to gather invaluable data that generated some surprising results. The full 20-page report can be read here, but here's what we took away.
1. Intersections are Danger Zones
The study found that the largest risk for a crash or near-crash incident on a motorcycle is likely to occur at an uncontrolled intersection, specifically one that has no signs or stop lights in the direction that the motorcyclist is traveling. From the 156 recorded incidents, researchers determined that the risk of a crash increases by a factor of 40 when crossing an uncontrolled intersection! That means you should be aware of cross streets and driveways, and scan for cars about to pull out as you ride.
2. Bikes Rear-Ending Cars
One of the more surprising findings of the study is that motorcyclists rear-ending other vehicles was the most frequent accident involving another vehicle, at 35 of the 156 total incidents recorded. Although the study does not directly implicate any factors that caused riders to hitting other vehicles from behind, we can assume that the level of traffic, and rider behavior are important aspects that contribute to this type of accident. No matter what the cause, practicing panic stopping your bike with both front and rear brakes until it becomes instinct is a great way to not become another one of these statistics.
3. Sideswipes
Coming in at second in the multi-vehicle crash category are sideswipes by vehicles traveling in the same direction as the motorcyclists. With a recorded 21 of the 156 incidents reported, it is likely that the motorcyclists were in the blind spots of the cars when they changed lanes and contacted them. It is also quite possible that low-speed lane splitting contributed to this number. Regardless, situational awareness as a rider can go a long way in preventing this type of accident, there is no reason to be in another vehicles blind sport for more than a few seconds.
4. Running Out of Road
Switching to single vehicle incidents, motorcyclists not properly negotiate a curve was the largest category. Over 55% of the single vehicle accidents recorded saw the riders cross over the center line or run off of the right edge of the road (considered an accident or near miss even if the bike doesn't go down), with excessive speed contributing to the number of falls. You can easily avoid incidents like these by riding more, practicing cornering until you learn your bikes real limits, and looking where you want to go to avoid target fixation. The vast majority of accidents involving bikes running out of road don't involve the bike being leaned over so far they low side, or lose traction, which means they could have turned harder.
5. Locale
One would think that riders are most at risk when riding in heavy urban traffic, but the study revealed that riders of urban streets, highways, residential, and business/industrial areas actually have a lower risk of crashing than those riding on open country roads. Although the researchers agree that this phenomenon requires further investigation, they believe country roads are more dangerous because riders are more lax in these areas and tend to push beyond their limits. It only takes a few moments of being too relaxed on the bike to drift into the shoulder as you are enjoying the scenery.
6. Agressive Rider Behavior
Using high-tech monitoring equipment, the researchers were able to capture the manner in which motorcyclists were riding and assign a risk factor based upon that particular behavior. Aggressive riding was found to increase the risk of an accident by a factor of 18, whereas inattention/lack of skill only increased the risk factor by 9; however, when the two are combined, the odds of an accident increases 30 fold!
7. Road-Debris
A notable factor that leads to crashes are objects or debris located in the middle of the road. The study rates the risk factor of debris at a 12 when going straight, but mix in some curves or maybe an uncontrolled intersection, and the risk of an accident skyrocket. More often than not, road debris will startle a rider, and in the process of maneuvering to avoid the object, cause the rider to go down. The study only recorded primary incidents leading to crashes, but it is safe to say other crash categories are definitely influenced by junk that finds its way into the middle of the road.
8. Road Surface
It is no surprise that unimproved road surfaces see far more motorcycle accidents than roads that are clean and smooth. The study revealed that gravel and dirt roads increase crashes by a factor of nearly 10, so it is a good thing that few cruiser riders are taking a dirt road. It is safe to say that riders must be careful on paved streets off the beaten path, where gravel, dirt, and other road debris can accumulate and catch unsuspecting motorcyclists off guard, especially in corners.
9. Lesser Factors
Although the Virginia Tech study outlined many factors that increased the risks of a crash, it also helped identify certain factors that have little influence on a motorcycle-related accident. Statistics show that the grade of the road does not greatly contribute to accidents; however, more accidents do occur when traveling down hill. Traffic density and roadway alignment also play a minimal role in crashes. While uncontrolled intersections rated highest on the list, controlled intersections were fairly safe; as a rider you are far less likely to be involved in accident at a traffic signal controlled intersection with its minimal 2.9x risk factor, compared to 40x for uncontrolled.
10. We Tip Over More Than We Admit
While not a "crash" per se, tip overs were the most common scenario recorded over the course of the study, and can still cause a lot of expensive damage. Of the 30 recorded incidents when a motorcycle actually hit the ground, 17 (56%) were tip overs while stopped, or moving very slowly (like in a parking lot or pulling away from a light). Although there are no clear-cut causes of this problem outlined in the study, it is mentioned that rider skill, fatigue, and attention are important factors that contribute to the tip over. Admittedly, this was a small sample size, but it is probably fairly accurate to say that over a 2 year period, more than 50% of riders are going to tip over their bike, statistically speaking.
If you want to read the entire report, you can on the Motorcycle Safety Federation website.
For help getting you bike back in shape, or keeping it there, see the how to section of HDForums.com
