FHWA Announces Study into Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The Federal Highway Administration earlier this month announced the launch of a new study into the causes of motorcycle accidents. The announcement of the study, which will be conducted at the Oklahoma State University, has been welcomed by the American Motorcyclist Association. The study is being funded by lawmakers and the motorcycle community. It will evaluate data from motorcycle crashes and isolate common factors. It will also look into what kind of counter measures can minimize the impact of these causal factors.
The last major motorcycle accident study in the country was conducted in 1981. That study resulted in the release of a report called “Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Counter Measures,” also known as the Hurt Report. The information that was derived from that study has been of great help in understanding the causes for motorcycle accidents, and the development of effective strategies to prevent them.
However, since the Hurt report came out in 1981, the following changes have taken place:
- There are an increased number of registered motorcycles on American highways.
- Contrary to 1981, many of today's motorcyclists are men above the age of 50.
- Today's motorcycles are far more powerful than before.
- The numbers of motor vehicles on our roads have increased greatly
- The distractions that motorists face everyday have also increased dramatically.
A fresh study into the causes of motorcycle accidents has been long overdue. Nationwide and in Georgia, there has been an increase in motorcycle crash fatalities, a trend that has been rising steadily over the past decade. As an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer, I am glad to see that there will be a "fresh" look into common motorcycle crashes which promises to yield new insight for all of us.
motorcycles as a means of transportation are very practical and do not consume much gas. To it safe to travel by motorcycle we construct highways and roads to accommodate a motorcycle lane especially designed for motorcycles
There has been a lot of studies related to cars, which has resulted in a reductions of fatalities. If more insight can be gained to reduce motorcycle accidents, the it will be well worth the money. Prevention should be the watchword.