The motivation for this study considering an improvement of the conspicuity of powered-two-wheelers comes from the fact that the development of the number of fatal accidents involving motorcycles are completely different to the declining number of accidents in general in recent years. The number of fatal PTW accidents nearly remains on a constant level. One reason why accidents happen to motorcyclists is that they were overlooked by other road users. Until now, the use of low (or passing) beam by day, is especially a feature of motorcycles and mopeds, but from now on there is an increasing number of multi-track vehicles with daytime running lights (low beam or equipped with dedicated daytime running lights) on the road since dedicated DRLs are mandatory for new passenger car types in the European Union. Thus, it is feared that motorcyclists could be seen worse in the future, because low beam on the day is less visible than special dedicated daytime running lights. It is expected that by using dedicated daytime running lights in conjunction with an innovative arrangement powered-two-wheelers could become more visible and clear. To examine this hypothesis different subjects rated various lighting configurations during the day and at night. Paired comparisons and an additional questionnaire show the benefits of daytime running lights used on motorcycles. The present low beam has been rated significantly worse than new lighting configurations. In particular, the so-called T-design was estimated to yield very good visibility and among other things the shape and the size of the motorcycle was said to be reflected much better. An even better visibility became obvious when the T-design was combined with additional flashing helmet lights. The flashing helmet light, will most likely encounter massive acceptance problems. However, due to some disadvantages, the hurdles for an introduction of flashing helmet lights in road traffic are high. As a consequence, based on the test results, the T-design could be a promising candidate for a future lighting arrangement for motorcycles. However, this design would need changes and amendments to various international regulations. In addition, possible glare needs to be taken into account.
Conspicuity of powered-two wheelers
Sichtbarkeit von motorisierten Zweirädern
2011
11 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 2 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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