Human error in motorcycle crashes: A methodology based on in-depth data to identify the skills needed and support training interventions for safe riding

Abstract

Objective: Human error is considered the primary factor contributing to crashes involving powered-two-wheelers (PTW), however not human-factors-based crash analysis methodology has been developed to support effectiveness of rider training interventions. Our aim is to define a methodology that uses in-depth data to identify the skills needed by riders in the highest risk crash configurations to reduce casualty rates. Methods:The methodology is illustrated through a case study using in-depth data of a total of 803 powered-two-wheeler crashes cases. Seven types of high-risk crash configuration based on the pre-crash trajectories of the road-users involved were considered to investigate the human errors as crash contributors. Primary crash contributing factor, evasive manoeuvres performed, horizontal roadway alignment and speed-related factors were identified, along with the most frequent crash configurations and those with the greatest risk of severe injury.Results: Straight Crossing Path/Lateral Direction was the most frequent crash configuration and Turn Across Path/ Opposing Direction that with the greatest risk of serious injury were identified. Multi-vehicle crashes cannot be considered as a homogenous category of crashes to which the same human failure is attributed, as different interactions between motorcyclists and other road users are associated with both different types of human error and different rider reactions. Human error in multiple-vehicle crashes related to crossing paths configurations were different from errors related to rearend or head-on crashes. Multi-vehicle head-on crashes and single-vehicle collisions frequently occur along curves. The involved collision avoidance manoeuvres of the riders differed significantly among the highest risk crash configurations. The most relevant lack of skills are identified and linked to their most representative context. In most cases a combination of different skills was required simultaneously to avoid the crash. Conclusions:The results contribute to understand the motorcyclists' responses in high-risk crash scenarios. The findings underline the need to group accident cases, beyond the usual single-vehicle versus multi-vehicle collision approach. The different interactions with other road users should be considered in order to identify the competencies of the motorcyclists needed to reduce the risk of an accident. Our methodology can be applied to increase the motorcyclists' safety by supporting preventive actions based on riders' training and eventually ADAS design.

Investigating the feasibility of motorcycle autonomous emergency braking (MAEB): Design criteria for new experiments to field test automatic braking

“…A crucial point in the design of the field test is the definition of the test track employed to simulate an urban scenario. The track is intended to reproduce riding situations in which the speed and the performed maneuvers are similar to those observed in accidents in urban areas [6 , 7] and, more generally, in urban riding situations relevant for MAEB activation. Previous studies have focused on modeling the behavior of motorcycles in the urban scenario [8] .…”

Exploring the Robustness of Alternative Cluster Detection and the Threshold Distance Method for Crash Hot Spot Analysis: A Study on Vulnerable Road Users

“…Multiple attributes, such as human error, traffic violations, and driving behavior, may be associated with crashes. Examples of the latter include speeding, inaccurate assumptions about other driver actions, failure to fasten seat belts, compromised sobriety, unsafe maneuvering, and tailgating [29][30][31][32]. Plotting crash locations on a map using a geographical information system (GIS) helps to visualize and identify hot spots that are high-risk locations.…”

Emergency Braking Patterns of Trained and Untrained Riders

“…The allotment of front and rear braking force applied depends on the rider's skills [1]. One of the issues highlighted with motorcycle crashes is the inadequate application of braking [2]. Insufficient or hard braking may result in tire locking or a higher stopping distance.…”

“…In [2], the author analyzed the crash data to investigate key riding skills required by motorcyclists when facing high-risk situations. Just over 70% of the crashes occurred when the motorcyclists were traveling on a straight path.…”