Examination of Factors Associated in Motorcycle Crashes in Work Zones (SJN: 134627)
Researcher: William Schneider – University of Akron
The number of fatal injuries involving motorcyclists has increased from 3,365 in 2002 nationally to 5,409 in 2008 (NHTSA). Fortunately in 2009 the total number of fatal injuries decreased to 4,595 (NHTSA). Over this time period the State of Ohio had a similar trend with 144 fatal injuries in 2002 increasing to 212 in 2008 and then decreasing to 163 in 2009 (Ohio Crash Facts). Additionally from 2006 to the end 2010 there were 336 work zone related crashes resulting in 70 property damage only, 38 possible injuries, 141 non-incapacitating, 82 incapacitating and 10 fatalities.
There is a two-fold reason why work zones are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. In the first case, many of the work zones correspond to the summer riding season when there is a higher number of motorcyclists on the road increasing the likelihood of interaction between the two. In the second case, the roadway surface is altered in the work zone resulting in a reduction of traction between the wheel and the road. In comparison to cars and trucks, motorcycles have a limited surface area between the tire and the road and, in turn, the lower surface area magnifies the importance of maintaining traction of the motorcycle. Some of the common examples faced during construction include uneven or grooved lanes, ruble strips, steel places, and asphalt patches. In each of these cases, the traction between the pavement and the motorcycle wheel is decreased and, in turn, increases the potential likelihood for motorcycle related crashes. While most of these cases are necessary for road maintenance, some of these applications may be more severe for the motorcyclist. In these cases it is especially important to make the motorcyclist aware of the condition and allow the motorcyclist to seek a different route around the hazard. One potential solution may be posting signage with enough time allowing the motorcyclist to exit the highway prior to the upcoming work zone.
The objective of this research is to evaluate motorcycle work zone related crashes and provide ODOT and the riding community with the most current knowledge on the contributing factors associated with motorcycle related work zone crashes.