Correlation between crash avoidance maneuvers and injury severity sustained by motorcyclists in single-vehicle crashes. (17th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Chen; Lu, Linjun; Lu, Jian; Wang, Tao
• Is Part Of: Traffic injury prevention. Volume 17:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2016-02-17
• Subjects: motorcyclist -- crash avoidance maneuvers -- injury severity -- the General Estimates System (GES) -- partial proportional odds models; Traffic safety -- Periodicals; Traffic accidents -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 363.125
• DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1045502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1538-9588

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives : In order to improve motorcycle safety, this article examines the correlation between crash avoidance maneuvers and injury severity sustained by motorcyclists, under multiple precrash conditions.Method : Ten-year crash data for single-vehicle motorcycle crashes from the General Estimates Systems (GES) were analyzed, using partial proportional odds models (i.e., generalized ordered logit models).Results : The modeling results show that "braking (no lock-up)" is associated with a higher probability of increased severity, whereas "braking (lock-up)" is associated with a higher probability of decreased severity, under all precrash conditions. "Steering" is associated with a higher probability of reduced injury severity when other vehicles are encroaching, whereas it is correlated with high injury severity under other conditions. "Braking and steering" is significantly associated with a higher probability of low severity under "animal encounter and object presence, " whereas it is surprisingly correlated with high injury severity when motorcycles are traveling off the edge of the road. The results also show that a large number of motorcyclists did not perform any crash avoidance maneuvers or conducted crash avoidance maneuvers that are significantly associated with high injury severity.Conclusions : In general, this study suggests that precrash maneuvers are an important factor associated with motorcyclists' injury severity. To improve motorcycle safety, training/educational programs should be considered to improve safety awareness and adjust driving habits of motorcyclists. Antilock brakes and such systems are also promising, because they could effectively prevent brake lock-up and assist motorcyclists in maneuvering during critical conditions. This study also provides valuable information for the design of motorcycle training curriculum.