Outcomes

Students Will:

• identify which motorcycle types have the highest mortality rates
• identify which age ranges are responsible for the largest frequency of motorcycle fatalities
• know the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable to motorcycles
• understand the physics principles involved in the motorcycle movement, steering and travel
• understand motorcycle safety equipment available to the bike and the driver/passenger, including identification of DOT helmets
• be able to calculate motorcycle speeds thorough a variety of different procedures
• be able to quantify and qualify damages sustained during a motorcycle crash
• learn the procedure to test acceleration factors, deceleration factors for a motorcycle in various circumstances.

Syllabus

Introduction, Orientation and Registration

Introduction of facility representative, instructors and students. Discussion and explanation of facility guidelines and rules. Course registration forms are completed.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

Discussion about relationship between fatality rates of automobiles versus motorcycles; age ranges with highest frequency; frequency of fatalities among motorcycle categories. Identification of dynamic situation with highest fatal frequency.

Motorcycle Nomenclature

Identification of individual motorcycle components and their relation to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). In addition, other motorcycle FMVSS are discussed in detail. Explanation of significance of trail and rate for motorcycle steering and stability.

Physics of Motorcycle Movement

Physics applications in motorcycle crashes investigation are generally the same; however, select principles are applied in the dynamics. Because the principles are unique for motorcycles applications, the applications differ. In-depth explanation of the physics principles involved in motorcycle collisions.

Safety Equipment & Motorcycle Training

Identification and discussion of safety equipment for the motorcycle and the motorcycle occupants. Explanation of US DOT helmet requirements and the identification of "fake" DOT helmets. Mandating motorcycle training and the effects of the training are discussed. The experience of the motorcycle driver is a significant aspect in the investigation.

Operator Issues

Examination of how factors such as prior experience, frequency of riding motorcycle, consumption of alcoholic beverages and other variables effect the operation.

Damage Profile & Analysis

Proper interpretation of motorcycle damages is critical in a proper investigation. The investigator must be able to identify the damages and their causation. After identification, accurate recording and photography is essential.

Who was Driver?

When there are two people on the motorcycle when the crash occurs, identification of the driver versus the passenger is significant for prosecution or civil proceedings. Discussion of occupant kinematics. In addition, injuries sustained during the crash and ejection are explained in their relationship with occupant positioning.

Motorcycle Only Crash

A single-vehicle collision involving only a motorcycle is very challenging for the crash investigator. Attention to the design characteristics of the roadway, the limitations of the motorcycle design and roadway evidence. The event is usually complicated by the identification of the driver versus the rider.

Motorcycle vs. Other Vehicle Crash

Not only do all the requirements in a single motorcycle crash apply in a two-vehicle crash, but additional considerations for momentum must be understood by the investigator. Specific evidence is produced and must be identified, interpreted, qualified.

Speed Analysis

A braking motorcycle can develop a higher drag factor and a significantly higher acceleration factor. Both of these values play significant roles in the speed calculations of the crash, as well as time - distance - velocity analysis.

Unlike automobiles, motorcycles slide on their sides after the driver is ejected. The sliding creates frictional forces that must be used in speed calculations. The ejection of the motorcycle occupants presents a different analysis process involving airborne trajectories.

Numerous actual case studies are used as student projects.

Field Projects

Field projects are designed to establish empirical data to be used in speed calculation, as well as time-distance analysis. Deceleration factors, acceleration factors, braking efficiency and side sliding factors are demonstrated and the student calculates the values.

Students are required to bring measuring tapes to measure distances.

Field Project Calculations & Review

Review of compiled data and calculations.

Final Examination

The student will successfully complete an examination with passing grade of 70% or the value established by the host agency. The test composition will be multiple choice, true/false, and mathematical problems.

Class Evaluation & Certificates

Student will complete an Accident Analysis & Reconstruction, Inc., course critique. Students who successfully pass the final examination will receive a certificate of completion.