Learn about motorcycle crashes in Ohio and what to do if you are involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle.

Accident reconstruction utilizes principles of physics and empirical data to analyze the physical, electronic, video, audio, and testimonial evidence from a crash, to determine how and why the crash occurred, how the crash could have been avoided, or to determine whose description of the crash is most accurate. This process draws together aspects of mathematics, physics, engineering, materials science, human factors, and psychology, and combines analytical models with empirical test data. Different types of crashes produce different types of evidence and call for different analysis methods. Still, the basic philosophical approach of the reconstructionist is the same from crash type to crash type, as are the physical principles that are brought to bear on the analysis. This book covers a basic approach to accident reconstruction, including the underlying physical principles that are used, then details how this approach and the principles are applied when reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction presents a thorough, systematic, and scientific overview of the available methods for reconstructing motorcycle crashes. This new edition contains: Additional theoretical models, examples, case studies, and test data. An updated bibliography incorporating the newest studies in the field. Expanded coverage of the braking capabilities of motorcyclists. Updated, refined, and expanded discussion of the decelerations of motorcycles sliding on the ground. A thoroughly rewritten and expanded discussion of motorcycle impacts with passenger vehicles. Updated coefficients of restitution for collisions between motorcycles and cars. A new and expanded discussion of using passenger car EDR data in motorcycle accident reconstruction. A new section covering recently published research on post-collision frozen speedometer readings on motorcycles. A new section on motorcycle interactions with potholes, roadway deterioration, and debris and expanded coverage of motorcycle falls. This second edition of Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction is a must-have title for accident reconstructionists, forensic engineers, and all interested in understanding why and how motorcycle crashes occur.

Ohio crash data for 2003-2007 were used to investigate the odds of a motorcyclist being fatally injured in a crash and the risk factors involved. The results show that risk factors for fatal crashes significantly increase when the following circumstances apply: the motorcyclist is less than 25 years of age, being the motorcycle rider, use of excessive speeding, use of alcohol and/or drugs, riding without helmet, being involved in a single-vehicle crash at a non-intersection location, crashing on horizontal curves, on graded segments, and on major roadways. The combination of risk factors, such as nighttime riding at horizontal curves, excessive speeding on major roads, traveling at excessive speed while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and younger riders negotiating horizontal curves, greatly increases the likelihood of fatal injury crashes. In order to reduce the number of fatal crashes this study indicates that the dangers of excessive speed and operating a motorcycle while intoxicated must be fully stressed to the public. The enactment of an Ohio universal helmet law is particularly recommended.