Abstract
In a motorcycle accident, the motorcycle and rider typically become independent, each following their own path to final rest. Consequently, the biomechanical analysis of a motorcycle accident is complex. A biomechanical model to assess rider kinematics associated with motorcycle accidents is presented, which may be important to forensic scientists involved in the analysis of such events. This model can also be applied to other activities, including cycling, equestrian sports, skiing, skating, running, etc. It is first important to understand the mechanisms by which a rider may be ejected from their motorcycle and how drag factors affect the motorcycle and rider independently. Next we determine rider trajectory, taking into consideration rider anthropometry and posture, results from which are used to derive impact velocity as a function of linear and angular components. A case study is presented, demonstrating how the presented model can be applied to a collision involving a single motorcycle.
Highlights
Motorcycles are a luxury in the developed world, where they are used mostly for recreation
In 2011 there were more than 8.2 million registered motorcycles in the United States [2], representing 3% of all US registered vehicles, with California, Florida and Texas leading the number of motorcycles per state [3]
Measures of rider anthropometry were incorporated into the model
Summary
Motorcycles are a luxury in the developed world, where they are used mostly for recreation. In the United States motorcyclists travelled 18.5 billion miles in 2011, which represents only 0.6% of total vehicle miles travelled, yet motorcyclists accounted for 14% (4,612) of traffic fatalities and 4% (81,000) of all occupant injuries [2]. A new model is presented for the purpose of investigating the biomechanics of accidents involving a lone motorcycle, which accounts for 25% of all motorcycle-related accidents according to the Hurt report [5]. This model is unique in that it incorporates measures of rider anthropometry (body measurements) and riding posture, which have a direct effect on trajectory and overall height of the vertical component of the impact. The model presented may be applied to motorcycle accidents, and to a wide range of activities, including cycling, equestrian sports, skiing, skating, running, etc
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