. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS AND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

Focuses on ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) designed to enhance vehicle occupant safety. ITS are classified by location—in-vehicle, infrastructure-based, or cooperative systems—and by effect time: Active systems (crash avoidance) or Passive systems (crash mitigation). 

Critical Motorcycle Safety Issues:

Motorcycle crashes exhibit different characteristics than other vehicle types. In Australia, motorcyclists are three times more likely to be involved in a casualty crash than car drivers. Dominant crash types include multiple-vehicle crashes and loss of control crashes.

Key crash factors include:

• Conspicuity: The driver of the other vehicle often claims not to have seen the motorcycle.

• Rider Error: This is a significant factor.

• Alcohol: Alcohol is a factor in 25–53% of crashes.

• Unlicensed Riders: These riders are involved in significantly more crashes than licensed riders.

State of ITS Development for Motorcycles:

Very few motorcycle-specific ITS currently exist. The potential for adapting existing ITS from other vehicles to motorcycles has been highlighted.

 ITS development originated from Japan’s Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) initiative, which focuses on crash avoidance and minimization. Manufacturers participating in this program have developed several prototype in-vehicle systems. Technologies that enhance stability and braking power are regarded with the highest priority because they are most likely to be relevant to almost all motorcycle crash types, particularly loss of control crashes.

• Crash Avoidance ITS (Active Safety)-These systems alert the rider to potential hazards
• Visibility-Enhancing Systems-These systems aim to address conspicuity and improve road illumination
•  Passive Safety ITS- These systems minimize harm during or immediately after a crash

Advanced braking systems represent one area of significant development. Future ITS development must be safety-driven, but must also consider issues such as acceptability and usability. 

Bayly, M., Regan, M. A., & Hosking, S. G. (2006). Intelligent transport systems and motorcycle safety (No. 260). Melbourne, Australia: Monash University Accident Research Centre.