The University of Adelaide CENTRE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY RESEARCH

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TitleThe benefits and use of protective clothing for motorcyclists
AuthorsGrigo JAL, Baldock MRJ, Raftery SJ
Year2011
TypeConference Paper
AbstractMotorcyclists are at greater risk of casualty crashes compared to car occupants on a per distance travelled basis. This is chiefly due to the lack of protection afforded to motorcyclists in the event of a crash. Protective clothing for motorcyclists has been designed to reduce injury through the use of impact protectors and abrasion resistant materials. The South Australian Motor Accident Commission has attempted to promote the use of this clothing through its “Gear Up” advertising campaign. As part of an evaluation of the campaign, the likely benefit of abrasion resistant clothing in different locations was determined, using a review of relevant literature and analysis of data collected through the Centre for Automotive Safety Research’s at-scene in-depth crash investigation program. This revealed that protective clothing is likely to be beneficial for all riders in both urban and rural regions regardless of differences in typical crash configurations. Roadside observations were also conducted prior to the “Gear Up” campaign to determine the rate of protective clothing used by South Australian motorcyclists commuting or riding for recreation. The results demonstrated a need to increase the use of lower body protection by all riders. Also, the relatively low usage of full face helmets and protective clothing by riders of scooters and cruisers is of concern. Follow up observations after the completion of the campaign are also being conducted in 2011.
Conference Name10th National Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion
Conference LocationBrisbane
Conference Date2-4 November 2011
Notesabstract book only available online at http://www.icebergevents.com/injuryprevention2011/

Reference
Grigo JAL, Baldock MRJ, Raftery SJ (2011). The benefits and use of protective clothing for motorcyclists. 10th National Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, Brisbane, 2-4 November 2011.