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Transport Technology and Standards Compendium of research 2005/06
Theme 4 Motorcycle Safety
(A Report not a MAG Position)
Motorcyclists are the most at risk category of road user to fatal or serious injury. In 2002 motorcyclists were involved in 11 times more injury accidents per 100 million kilometres than cars.
Against this background it is important for the Department to investigate measures to reduce the risk by ensuring new machines are safe and that machines in use are well maintained and serviceable.
Exposure of riders to risk should also be reduced to a minimum by improved equipment such as helmets, clothing, the provision of better conspicuity and vision.
Previous research has helped the Department formulate a Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme for unofficially imported motorcycles, which became operative in August 2003, and for which VOSA are responsible for implementing, with the primary and e-safety branch of TTS responsible for policy and legislation.
There is currently one research project being undertaken. Its aim is to develop test methods that will lead to the development of a new test standard. Its objectives are to look at improving helmet and visor test methods, evaluate new helmet concepts and devise a possible consumer information scheme, so as to facilitate worthwhile improvements in helmet and visor design to reduce fatal head injuries and mitigate environmental factors.
New more stringent test standards could lead to the saving of a 100 lives a year in Great Britain.
The Government's Motorcycle Strategy was published in February 2005 which includes nine specific actions for TTS within the "motorcycle and rider equipment" section. This theme will expand in the next years as several projects will be commissioned to fulfil the obligations under these actions. These projects will look at issues, amongst other, relating to diesel spills, lighting, vision (mirrors and visor) and tyres.
Ongoing Projects
S0232/VF Motorcyclists Helmets and Visors - Test Methods and New Technologies
Background
Between 1980 and 1995, the annual numbers of motorcyclist fatalities and serious injuries in Great Britain fell from 1,018 to 416 and 19,341 to 5,672 respectively (during the same period, the numbers of motorcyclists fell from 1.372 to 0.594 million). By the year 2000, these figures had risen to 573 deaths and 6,312 serious injuries and the number of motorcyclists had risen to 0.825 million. Fatal and serious injuries to motorcyclists have therefore become an increasingly significant contributor to road accident casualties.
Based on a study of injuries sustained by motorcyclists in the Strathclyde region, it has been estimated that, if test methods could be strengthened, improvements in helmet design could save up to 100 lives a year in Great Britain. This is one of the key deliverables to better motorcycle safety as set out in the Governments' Road Safety Strategy. New types of helmets are currently being developed but, to secure delivery, better test methods will be needed to realise the potential benefits and facilitate customer awareness.
Given this potential, the Department has initiated a research project that aims to develop the test methods necessary for a new helmet standard.
Summary
The objectives of the project are to:
x improve helmet and visor test procedures;
x evaluate new helmet concepts; and,
x devise a possible consumer information scheme.
The purpose is to facilitate worthwhile improvements in helmet and visor design to reduce fatal head injuries and mitigate environmental factors.
The project includes the following:
workshop to facilitate an open exchange of views on how best to deliver better helmets capable of saving in the UK around 100 lives/year;
exploring the potential for the activities set out below and identified in the workshop, to be taken forward within the EU Framework Programme;
production of a partial Regulatory Impact Assessment on the options for introducing the COST 327 specification in Regulations or consumer tests;
developing and verifying test methods and performance criteria to measure and assess helmet performance as set out in COST 327;
evaluating any alternative helmet and visor concepts that offer better protection, ergonomic performance or more efficient protection;
research and development of a consumer information programme to rate and compare the performance of helmets and visors for head protection and ergonomic factors;
disseminating the research at meetings of standard making bodies and at national and international conferences; and
producing a revised partial Regulatory Impact Assessment also covering the options for delivering each package of tests.
Further information on this and related projects can be found at www.mhap.info
S0412/V6 Comparison of Vehicle National Construction Standards For Vehicles In Other EEA States With British SVA
Introduction
New passenger cars and motorcycles are required to be type approved prior to being placed on the road. However, the Department recognised that a small percentage of vehicles are unable to gain be type approved and has implemented Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) schemes which allow vehicles to be approved individually for national use. This offers a cost effective route to registration for small volume manufacturers and some importers.
There are an increasing number of cars, motorcycles and associated vehicles being imported into Great Britain which require SVA. On occasions the importers from countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) seek "mutual recognition" to the exporting country's national technical construction standards. Under European Union provisions the responsibility for assessing whether the construction standards of the vehicles are equivalent to the national requirements is placed on the importing Member State. However, unless the standards and the means of certification in the exporting Country are known, it is difficult to make accurate assessments.
At present the Department has very limited data upon which to base such assessments. This project is expected to provide the necessary information with regards to the technical construction standards of the countries of EEA.
Objectives
The objective of this research is to:
Collect, assess, and report on the national technical construction regulations and standards for M1, N1, and L category of vehicles from all European Economic Area States (EU Member States and Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland), translating the information into English language where necessary; make comparison with the British Single Vehicle Approval schemes, and report whether the technical standards are equivalent/comparable and can be accepted for mutual recognition; and, produce comparison charts.
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