A Better Knowledge of Powered Two Wheelers Accidents

Abstract

In France, the knowledge about road accidents is mainly based on the data collection and subsequent feeding of the national road accident database by the police. This is a very comprehensive database from a quantitative point of view which needs to be improved from a qualitative point of view. Indeed, some data are necessary to have a very precise understanding of the accidents (accident mechanisms, vehicle maneuvers, etc.) but they are not present in the French national accident database. In order to get some qualitative data, the partners of VOIESUR project have analyzed fatal and injury accidents that occurred in the year 2011. This analyze is reported in a database. From this database, thorough analyses have been carried out on different topics (children, older road users, etc.). The present study addresses the powered two-wheelers (PTW). His objective is to strengthen the knowledge about PTWs accidents, in order to improve PTWs safety.This study has shown how specific were PTWs in terms of dynamics or other factors such as alcohol impairment, speed, short practice of vehicle. The analysis of the different accident factors, and in particular the new knowledge brought by VOIESUR (speed used in accidents, maneuvers performed in emergency situations, etc.) should enable the decision makers to implement concrete actions towards PTW users, for whom safety improvements are identified, and also for other users involved in PTW accidents. The elements provided in the present study should encourage the implementation of measures adapted to PTW diversity and usage, in terms of categories (customs, roadsters, etc.), and engine sizes (mopeds, light and heavy motorcycles). Lastly, the role of road infrastructure has also been scrutinised, and a greater vulnerability of PTW is put forward. The study shows a great potential that could be grasped by road managers to improve the safety of PTW users (roadside obstacle management, provision of hard shoulders in case of run-off-the-road situations, etc.). From a global viewpoint, the richness of the variables shed a new light on both the nature and complexity of PTW accidents in France.