Annually, around 50 motorcyclists die as a result of a road crash in the Netherlands, and this number has hardly changed in the last ten years, according to the SWOV Institute for Road Safety.
At the same time, the fatality risk for motorcyclists is many times higher than for car drivers.
Now SWOV researchers have conducted an in-depth study into serious motorcycle crashes to better understand how motorcycle crashes occur and how they can be prevented.
The study investigated 50 motorcycle crashes, and five types of crashes were identified:
- Crashes in which the motorcyclist is overlooked
- Loss of control on bends
- Falling while braking when approaching a red light
- Crashes due to excessive speed
- Rear-end collisions
Researchers said targeted measures could be taken to prevent all these types of crashes. The study recommended improved line of sight at intersections by removing obstacles, periodic inspection and maintenance of roads and verges to reduce the risk of loss of control on bends and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and raised intersections to reduce speed as well as camera surveillance.
The study also advised advanced rider training for motorcyclists and paying more attention to hazard perception, risk awareness and risk management in regular rider and driver training, helping road users to better recognize risks and anticipate them.
The full study is available to read on the SWOV website.
