A critical review of motorcycle safety countermeasure studies and recommendations for future research in the United States

Background/Purpose

Motorcycles are an increasingly popular form of transportation that are less expensive to own and operate than passenger vehicle. It has been observed in several US states and nationally the the number of fatal and injury collisions increased steadily since 1999 after several years of decline. In order to address this problem, a variety of safety countermeasures are available to drivers. This paper will review studies of motorcycle safety countermeasures and will recommend future directions for research in the US.

Methods

Peer-reviewed publications and government documents were reviewed and synthesized. Helmet effectiveness, helmet use legislation, helmet type, driver education and training, motorcycle air bags, and conspicuity measures were discussed in the literature. A critical analysis of the available literature and the employed study designs was conducted.

Results/Outcomes

The use and effectiveness of helmets has been extensively studied. Helmets have been shown to greatly reduce the risk of injury. Universal helmet use legislation also reduces fatal and severe injury rates. Few studies have examined helmet types. Increased driver education and training are useful means to mitigate the risk of collision. Conspicuity measures such as daytime headlights and reflective clothing can also reduce collision risk.

Conclusions

Helmets, education, licensing, and various conspicuity measures have been shown to reduce the risk of collision or the severity of injuries. A large, rigorously designed case-control study is needed to examine the causal associations of collision risk factors and to estimate the effectiveness of various safety countermeasures.