Citation

Lewis G. Collision 2006; 1(2): 32-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the analysis of motor vehicle collisions, involving passenger cars and/or light trucks, the determination of a deceleration rate is relatively simple to determine.  Vehicles with conventional braking systems usually "lock up the tires" in pre-impact skids and the tires are often locked by vehicle damage post-collision.  The percentage of the vehicle’s weight remains fairly constant during the pre and post-impact phases of the collision.  Vehicles with ABS systems perform rather uniformly during "skidding" or hard braking maneuvers, and usually react predictably and similar to vehicles with conventional braking systems post-impact, assuming the vehicles are uncontrolled post-impact.

However, motorcycles have unique braking systems.  There are two separate brake controls on the vast majority of motorcycles, and sometimes different types of brakes on each wheel.  Some motorcycles have integrated braking systems and a few models have ABS systems.  Previous studies have shown that it is difficult for the motorcycle operator to efficiently control two independent brakes during hard braking maneuvers.   Add to that the reduced fine motor skills during stressful situations, such as impact avoidance, and it is even more difficult to effectively utilize the brakes on a motorcycle.  Limited rider training in the proper use of motorcycle brakes further reduces the effectiveness of the vehicle/rider braking capability.

The author attempted to determine the most significant factors involved in the determination of the deceleration rate to be assigned to the motorcycle in pre-impact braking.