2013 Session: 545

• Who Rides and Who Pays: Comprehensive Assessment of Costs and Benefits of Motorcycling in the United States
  Abstract: This paper offers a comprehensive assessment of the benefits and costs of motorcycle use while exploring the characteristics, behaviors and attitudes of motorcycle riders. U.S. motorcyclists are at relatively high risk of fatal crashes, per mile travelled, with rates nearly 25 times higher than those of light-duty vehicle drivers. However, motorcycles require just one quarter the parking space of a car, and can double network capacities (in terms of vehicles per hour), thereby reducing congestion. While most motorcycles enjoy high fuel economy, their low seating capacities render them little or no better than most cars and some light-duty trucks (assuming average vehicle occupancies). They emit relatively fewer grams of CO2, NOx, and CO per person-mile traveled than most cars, but more VOC and CO. Noise impacts are also a serious issue for many motorcycles, with an inconsistent patchwork of regulations applied across states and localities.Results of a survey of current and former U.S. motorcyclists indicates almost all use their motorcycles for recreational purposes and ride in groups, though about half also ride for more mandatory/less discretionary purposes and about 40% also ride solo. Less than a third have had formal motorcycle training, and helmet use appears lower among current riders who do not own a motorcycle. Engine size appears to be rising, and respondents showed strong support for policies that combat driving and riding under the influence (such as ignition interlock devices for offenders) Regression models illuminate key factors and marginal effects on motorcycle riding and ownership rates.
  Authors: Fagnant, Daniel J.; Nichols, Brice; Kockelman, Kara
  Authors: Fagnant, Daniel J.; Nichols, Brice; Kockelman, Kara
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-1253
• Estimation of Motorcyclist Injury Severity and Evaluation of Motorcycle-Related Safety Strategies: A California Study
  Abstract: Fast growing demographics of motorcyclist fatalities aged less than 25 and 45 to 54 are conspicuous in California. The intent of this study was to quantitatively examine factors associated with motorcyclist fatalities and assess the relevant improvement strategies for motorcyclist safety with an emphasis on the young and older aged motorcyclist victims. To accomplish this goal, injury severities for young and older motorcyclist victims were separately estimated using multinomial logit models and pseudo-elasticity with data from five-year motorcycle involved collisions. The results were compared with motorcyclists aged 35 to 44, a middle aged group that shows a consistent trend of fatalities. As a result, key findings include: types of driver and passenger, violations related to speeding, turning and wrong side of road, and roadway conditions did not significantly affect motorcyclist fatalities throughout all three age groups; motorcyclists under alcohol/drug influence and collided with truck were more likely to be fatally injured regardless of age groups; collision types were found to increase either young or older motorcyclist fatalities; no helmet use, intersection and dark street without light were significantly and strongly associated with increased older motorcyclist fatalities; the middle aged motorcyclists were more likely to be fatally injured when drifting off the lane, on opposed lane, or during twilight condition. Based on the statistically significant factors identified, the following safety strategies are convinced as effective methods to reduce motorcyclist fatalities: public education of sobriety, enforcement of heavy vehicle violation, helmet use promotion, clear roadway design and street lighting system, and motorcyclist training.
  Authors: Jung, Soyoung; Qin, Xiao; Yoon, Yoonjin
  Authors: Jung, Soyoung; Qin, Xiao; Yoon, Yoonjin
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-1631
• Mixed Multinomial Logit Model Estimation of Motorcycle Riding Safety Gear Based on Operator Motorcycle Type
  Abstract: Motorcycle crashes and crash fatalities are on the rise. Safety gear is an option that motorcycle riders have to protect themselves. In the research crash data in the state of Ohio was used to generate maps through the use of Hot Spot Analysis to determine areas of Ohio with high numbers of motorcycle crash rates. Motorcycle events within those defined area were attended, and high definition video captured riders as the drove in and out of the events. The video was broken down to complete a survey of the gear that rides wear based on a variety of categories. The data taken from the survey was used to develop a mixed multinomial logit model to determine the correlations between motorcycle type and gear use. The findings of this research indicate that helmet use is more common in sport and standard types motorcycles compared to touring and cruising motorcycles. The research also suggests an overall increase in gear usage for sport motorcycles compared to other motorcycle types.
  Authors: Maistros, Alexander R.; Schneider, William Henry; Stakleff, Brandon A.; Holik, William A.
  Authors: Maistros, Alexander R.; Schneider, William Henry; Stakleff, Brandon A.; Holik, William A.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-1546
• Evaluation of Exclusive Stopping Space for Motorcycles at Signalized Intersections Under Mixed Traffic Conditions Using Simulation Model
  Abstract: Mixed traffic flow with high composition of motorcycles is a common situation in most of the Southeast Asian countries like India. Motorcycles possess several unique features such as narrow width, small size, high power-to-weight ratio and intuitive steering. All this may lead them to have more freedom in a traffic stream and also perform some characteristic behaviour patterns in mixed traffic flow. Moreover, mixed traffic is characterized by a mix up of vehicles having diverse static and dynamic properties. This type of traffic is characterized by lack of queue and lane discipline based on availability of space near intersections. At intersections, left, through and right turning vehicles seek to occupy the same physical space. In such situations, the through vehicles are susceptible to delays. Moreover, observation in the field indicates that motorcycles tend to accumulate near the stop line by weaving through gaps during the red phase to facilitate an earlier discharge during the initial period of the green due to its smaller size and high manoeuverability, which reduce other modes’ speed and therefore, they may cause congestion at that time. Also, this leads to excess delay for other vehicles while discharging from the intersection. Many mega cities in Southeast Asia are suffering from a high degree of congestion, which is mostly caused by motorcycles. It is important for these countries to develop appropriate management strategies for motorcycles. Understanding its moving behaviors and modeling them in a more realistic way may help. For this purpose, a microscopic traffic simulation model for signalized intersection developed specifically for mixed traffic was used. This model covers different vehicle types, and allows for some special behaviors, such as seepage to fronts of queues by motorcycles. The model was calibrated and tested with data from Chennai city, India, and its predictions were found to be in close agreement with the field data. This model was used to simulate traffic flow on Exclusive Stopping Space for Motorcycles (ESSM) near stop line. The benefits of ESSM were studied by varying the vehicular composition, traffic volume and ESSM lengths. The findings show that for certain composition, volume levels and length of ESSM, delay to vehicles decreases which shows that ESSM is beneficial for all types of vehicles at intersections.
  Authors: Asaithambi, Gowri; Kumar, Yogesh; Sivanandan, R.
  Authors: Asaithambi, Gowri; Kumar, Yogesh; Sivanandan, R.
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-3543
• Motorcycle Type Matters: Helmet Use, Speeding, and Drinking in Motorcycle Crashes
  Abstract: Motorcyclist traffic crashes and fatalities continue to remain a primary concern for traffic safety in the United States. In 2010, Florida had 7.3 percent of the registered motorcycles in the U.S., yet 8.7 percent of motorcycle related fatalities occurred in Florida. Many studies have been conducted to examine motorcycle crashes, causes, and outcomes to shed light on potential countermeasures to efficiently and effectively reduce motorcycle related injuries and fatalities. While previous research has controlled for several important factors in analyses, many studies have often examined data without recognizing motorcycle types. Different motorcycle types can represent certain characteristics unique to the people that ride them. This study analyzed Florida crash data and annual observational surveys of motorcyclists in Florida to understand the unique characteristics and crash outcomes according to motorcycle type. Statistical analysis and regression models are used to examine the factors that affect the level of injury severity by motorcycle type. The main findings of the study include the following: 1. Helmet use is highly associated with motorcycle type; 2. The composition of motorcycle type in the motorcycle crash data is different by age; 3. Young motorcyclists, as well as sport bikes, are overrepresented in motorcycle crashes; 4. Fatally injured sport bike riders were more likely to speed whereas cruiser and touring riders were more likely to be under the influence of alcohol; and 5. The same contributing factors increase the level of injury severity in motorcycle crashes regardless of motorcycle type.
  Authors: Lee, Chanyoung; Pino, Joan; Lin, Pei-Sung; Peters, Edith
  Authors: Lee, Chanyoung; Pino, Joan; Lin, Pei-Sung; Peters, Edith
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-4465
• Lessons Learned from Motorcyclist Surveys: Riders' Attitudes and Behaviors in Florida
  Abstract: Motorcycles are a means of transportation, as well as one of the fastest growing hobbies, in the U.S. Corresponding with the sharp increase in motorcycle registrations, there has been an increase in motorcyclist fatalities and injuries in Florida. It is well-known that motorcycles are more than a mode of transportation to motorcyclists in the U.S. The ownership of a certain motorcycle type has identifiable social and behavioral characters. It could potentially affect how and why they ride a motorcycle. This study conducted two surveys, including a survey of motorcycle riders who just completed their required motorcycle training to obtain their motorcycle endorsement and a survey of randomly selected Florida motorcyclists. The findings and lessons learned from these two surveys are summarized in this study to gain insight into the preferences and behaviors of motorcyclists. ANOVA tests were performed to investigate the association between different variables and a two-step cluster analysis was conducted to understand the use of safety helmets and respondents¡¯ attitudes toward the reinstatement of an universal helmet law in Florida. The study uncovered that motorcyclists start riding for a variety of reasons but more young people use a motorcycle as an inexpensive means of transportation. According to the survey, 28.2 percent of respondents have never had formal motorcycle training. The majority of motorcyclists unanimously support the mandatory training law, regardless of motorcycle type, age, gender, and riding experience. However, motorcyclists have mixed opinions toward the reinstatement of a universal helmet law in Florida.
  Authors: Lee, Chanyoung; Pino, Joan; Choi, Keechoo
  Authors: Lee, Chanyoung; Pino, Joan; Choi, Keechoo
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-4796
  Practice-Ready: Yes
• Who Rides and Who Pays: Comprehensive Assessment of Costs and Benefits of Motorcycling in the United States
  Authors: Fagnant, Daniel
  Authors: Fagnant, Daniel
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-1253
• Who Rides and Who Pays: Comprehensive Assessment of Costs and Benefits of Motorcycling in the United States
  Authors: Kockelman, Kara
  Authors: Kockelman, Kara
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-1253
• Estimation of Motorcyclist Injury Severity and Evaluation of Motorcycle-Related Safety Strategies: A California Study
  Authors: Jung, Soyoung
  Authors: Jung, Soyoung
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation; Poster
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-1631
• Usability Evaluation of Harley-Davidson Head Unit and Handlebar Controls by Users with No Experience
  Abstract:

  Notable increases in motorcycling have been reported worldwide in recent decades and the shifting demographics of riders present considerable challenges to reducing motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle safety involves many aspects of vehicle and equipment design as well as operator skill and training that are exclusive to motorcycle riding. Yet little research has been conducted to examine the usability of motorcycle controls. In this study, 12 participants with no experience or practice with the controls completed a series of tasks, such as changing radio stations and turning on the CB radio, using a head unit and handlebar controls while sitting on a 2009 Road Glide Harley-Davidson motorcycle. For each task, time to complete the task and number of attempts to complete the task were recorded. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was used to assess the overall usability of the head unit (the central control and display for infotainment functions) and the left and right handlebar controls. The participants’ performance suggests that executing the tasks was not intuitive to users, as most were unable to complete tasks on the first attempt or within a reasonable amount of time for safe driving, based on National Highway and Traffic Safety Association’s 2012 guidelines for in-vehicle technologies. A better understanding of the usability of technologies on motorcycles could lead to increased safety for riders and other road users as well as provide information for motorcycle product development.

  Authors: Mossey, Mary E.; Brooks, Johnell; Venhovens, Paul
  Authors: Mossey, Mary E.; Brooks, Johnell; Venhovens, Paul
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Safety and Human Factors
  Session: 545
  Paper Number: 13-3426