MOTORBIKE riders will be part of a $1.3 million Australian study aimed at slashing the number of serious motorcycle accidents.
The ground-breaking inquiry will compare the experiences of riders travelling through accident black spots where other bikers have come to grief.
More than 1100 riders - half of whom have survived crashes - will be recruited over the next 18 months.
The announcement came as a 27-year-old Thomastown man became the latest motorcyclist to die on the state’s roads when his bike and a ute collided in Lalor on Saturday.
The research is being funded by the State Government and headed by the Monash University Accident Research Centre.
It is also being backed by VicRoads, Victoria Police, the TAC and the VACC.
Experts will analyse factors such as speed, experience and the physical environment in accidents.
The investigation comes as statistics reveal motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, making up 14 per cent of fatalities and injuries, despite comprising less than 1 per cent of travel.
Transport Minister Terry Mulder described the new research as one of the most comprehensive motorbike studies attempted globally.
“By comparing the two groups, we hope to learn not only what went wrong for those involved in crashes, but also what went right for those who negotiated a particular crash site safely,” Mr Mulder said.
Riders injured in crashes and subsequently admitted to hospitals across Melbourne will be directly approached to take part.
Senior MUARC research fellow Dr Lesley Day said there were many factors to consider when trying to understand the cause of motorbike crashes.
“We will be asking riders about behaviour of other road users in general and the injured riders will be asked about the role of other parties in the crash,” Dr Day said.
Variables involving speed in crashes will also be put under the microscope.
Source - Herald Sun
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You guys need to wear an Australia standard Helmet when ridding on motorcycle on road.
http://www.monsterpro.com.au
Comment by Monsterpro — Feb 14 @ 8:13 amIn spite of all the good intentions of the researchers, the last paragraph of article says: “Variables involving speed in crashes will also be put under the microscope.” And speed is what the bureaucrats will focus in on when the results of this study get published. Because they are not riders.
Speed, speed, speed. Speed cameras. Fixed, mobile, hidden, etc. How about some original ideas other than ass-covering by bureaucrats who want us to ride everywhere at walking pace because we might hurt ourselves? What about the other numerous variables involved in a crash? You can be going Mach 2 and hit nothing, or 30kmh and bash into a brick wall. I know, as a rider, and a human being with a shred of common sense, which scenario is safer.
Comment by lowflying — Mar 3 @ 1:24 pm