Citation

Santucci MD, Pieve M, Koenig J, Bianco E, Vazquez de prada martinez J. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 2009; 2009.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

First outcomes of activities carried out in Safety In Motion EU project are hereafter described. SIM Project is aimed at identifying a suitable and comprehensive safety strategy for powered-two-wheel (PTW) vehicles, in order to avoid road accidents and/or mitigate their consequences. Starting from the outcomes of previous accidentology activities an in-depth analysis was conducted focusing on the scenarios identified as the most frequent and dangerous for PTWs accidents. Significant accident parameters were identified and related values were analyzed. Also a technology evaluation based on state-of-the-art analysis as well as partners expertise was conducted and the effectiveness of potential benefits of safety systems was evaluated in reconstructed accident scenarios. On such a basis a PTW safety strategy has been identified in all safety areas. The active safety improvement is reached by actively controlling PTW stability and improving riding comfort (advanced braking and suspension systems). In the area of preventive safety, an HMI Information Management concept for motorbike was identified as the most effective solution for enhancing the PTW rider's awareness. Focusing on passive safety aspects, a frontal airbag fitted on motorcycle (aiming at protecting rider against the primary impact) and an inflatable wearable device (mainly for secondary impact) have been chosen to be tested either separately or jointly. The following safety devices have been finally selected in order to be implemented and tested on vehicle prototypes: active brake system; stability management by traction control; semi-active suspension system; frontal airbag; inflatable wearable device; HMI information management concept for motorbikes (IMB); and enhanced HMI (ergonomic handlebar controls, wireless communication, head-up display). An integral approach to PTW safety enhancement was adopted, since all the safety devices will be implemented and tested on the same vehicle platform, the innovative PTW tilting three-wheelers Piaggio MP3. The full text of this paper may be found at: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv21/09-0283.pdf