The motorcyclist impact against a light vehicle: epidemiological, accidentological and biomechanic analysis

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results obtained within the framework of the French PROMOTO Project (PROtection of the MOTOrcyclist). The aim of this project was to analyze the impact between a motorcycle and a light vehicle from an epidemiological, accidentological and biomechanical point of view. The results have made it possible to outline the most frequent accident configurations such as the "turn on the left" and the most common injuries sustained by motorized two-wheelers (head and trunk). The biomechanic analysis has enabled a better understanding of the kinematics involved in an impact between a motorized two-wheeler and a light vehicle in various accident configurations (chronology and speed impact). While it is well known that motorcyclists frequently receive life threatening injuries to the head, spine and torso, this paper has been able to observe specific injury mechanisms such as pelvis impacts against the vehicle fuel tank and hyper-extension of the neck due to head impact on passenger cars.